Nanogel

Nanogel

Nanogel is a term used to describe any mixture of nano-sized particles or fibers with a gel, usually protein-based. They have the ability to cross into the cells of living organisms.[1]

Applications

Nanogels are not to be confused with Nanogel aerogel, a lightweight thermal insulator.

Polyethylene glycol-polyethylenimine (PEG-PEI) nanogels have been used to deliver anti-cancer compounds into cells.[2]

A highly hydrophilic fluorescent nanogel thermometer makes it possible to measure temperatures to within 0.5°C within cells. The cell absorbs water when colder and squeezes the water out as its internal temperature rises; the relative quantity of water masks or exposes the fluorescence of the nanogel.[3]

A nanogel composed of protein molecules in solution can be used to stop bleeding, even in severe gashes. The proteins self-assemble on the nanoscale into a biodegradable gel that can stop bleeding in a few seconds.[4]

References

  1. ^ http://www.worldchanging.com/archives/002502.html
  2. ^ http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/asp/jnn/2008/00000008/00000005/art00017
  3. ^ http://www.pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/ja807714j
  4. ^ http://www.impactlab.com/2006/10/11/nano-gel-used-to-stop-bleeding/
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