The device isn't ready for use in humans yet, but preliminary testing in mice shows that it's safe and effective, at least there. "This active movement of the carrier improved the therapeutic efficiency in addition to the neutralization of the stomach [acid)." He says that the way that the scooting submarine delivers the drug actually helps the drug work better. Joseph Wang, the chair of nanoengineering at the University of California, San Diego. This item can not be put into your inventory.
SUBMARINE CARTOON INSIDE BACKGROUND SERIES
The Magic School Bus, the cartoon series that miniaturized children so they could explore inside the body, but the authors think it could be a big improvement in drug delivery. 24 Pieces Cute Cartoon Gel Ink Pens Black Ink Cool Pens Kawaii Pen Black Writing Pens Creative Expression. The micro submarine is only 20 microns across, about one-fifth the width of a human hair. Once the acid in the stomach is neutralized, the polymer dissolves and the submarines unload their antibiotic payload. The tiny device is covered by a special polymer, like a jacket, that is sensitive to changes in the acidity. The bubbles scoot it around the stomach, and a magnesium core reduces acidity as it goes. The swallowable device reacts with stomach acid release of tiny hydrogen bubbles. So scientists at the University of California, San Diego, came up with a device designed to both reduce stomach acid and deliver medication without the side effects. But they can cause side effects such as headache, diarrhea and fatigue. To keep that from happening, doctors often prescribe acid-reducing medications like Prilosec or Prevacid. That stomach acid can break chemical bonds in the antibiotic and deactivate it. Once an antibiotic is swallowed, it takes a trip to the stomach, where there's lots of acid.
Oral antibiotics are commonly prescribed life-saving drugs. Think of it as a tiny submarine scooting around inside your stomach, fueled by the acid there.
A tiny self-propelled drug-delivery device might someday make taking antibiotics safer and more efficient.