Researchers are developing nano-capsules that produce specific metabolic molecules

Nano-capsules lead to the production of glucose-6-phosphate
Experts from the University of Basel have succeeded in developing nano-capsules that can be used to produce the so-called biomolecule glucose-6-phosphate in cells. Glucose-6-phosphate plays a crucial role in metabolic processes. The nano-capsules could be used to develop new options for the treatment of various diseases in the future.

The scientists at the University of Basel have developed capsules only a few nanometers in size. With the help of these capsules, researchers are able to produce a biomolecule called glucose-6-phosphate, the university reports in a press release on the study's findings. This was published in the journal Chemical Communications.

Physicians developed so-called nano-capsules, which could be used in the future for the treatment of various diseases. (Image: Cybrain - fotolia)

Biomolecules affect the metabolism
The metabolism in humans and animals is influenced by a large number of biomolecules. The molecules involved normally arise in the body through a so-called enzyme reaction, explain the experts. Glucose-6-phosphate is a very important biomolecule for many crucial metabolic processes in the body.

What is glucose-6-phosphate?
Glucose-6-phosphate plays a crucial role in the breakdown of carbohydrates and, moreover, the said biomolecule can be converted into specific molecules responsible for the energy storage of humans and animals, the researchers explain. If scientists could produce such biomolecules directly in living cells, it would create new opportunities and perspectives for the treatment of various diseases. And in this production, the synthetic capsules could be of great importance when it comes to the production in the living cells, the experts add.

Synthetic capsules can produce glucose-6-phosphate
The scientists at the University of Basel were able to produce synthetic capsules that are able to produce glucose-6-phosphate and also release this biomolecule. The nano capsules use a catalyst that contains the enzyme phosphoglucomutase, explain the physicians.

Capsules contain a so-called pore protein
In order to achieve a desired reaction, the starting material must be able to reach the inside of the capsule so that it can be converted by the enzyme, the researchers explain. In their study, scientists used a pore protein in the membrane of the capsule. The pore protein used for this purpose was previously synthesized at ETH Zurich. The pores of the protein form, so to speak, a kind of entry door for the substance and are also the exit point for the biomolecule glucose-6-phosphate, while the enzyme is encapsulated and protected from degradation.

Developed capsules are only about 200 nanometers in size
The nano-capsules developed by the scientists are very small and cover about 200 nanometers. This is so tiny that the said capsules are even able to be taken up by the cells of a living being. This ability of the capsules is a very important prerequisite for future test procedures and applications, explain the authors of the study.

The capsules should resemble their natural environment
In their current research, scientists developed the new capsules under conditions that closely resemble those of naturally occurring cells. "Our approach is always to get as close to nature as possible so that we can preserve the intrinsic functionality of the enzymes and pore proteins," explains author Prof. Dr. med. Cornelia Palivan from the University of Basel. Other approaches to this topic included, for example, the use of so-called organic solvents.

Further research is needed
Further research should consider the testing of capsules on cells in the future. This could be used to check whether the capsules are being taken up and then begin to produce the desired biomolecule of glucose-6-phosphate in the cell, the experts add. (As)