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FEATURES & INNOVATIONS


the new nanoparticles offer a significant step forward for in vivo clinical trials. In addition, the biodegradable nanoparticles can be produced in large quantities and at low cost.


Future applications


Among the many future applications envisioned by the IBN research team is the development of nanoparticle-infused gels that could be easily applied to treat skin infections, or developing ways to inject the nanoparticles into the patients’ bloodstream directly. “As these nanoparticles


can kill


drug-resistant bacteria such as MRSA and fungi, they may be used to treat MRSA-induced skin or blood stream infections,” says Yang. “Tey may also be used in mouthwash and deodorant for- mulations, and as a preservative.” As MRSA has been of particular


concern in hospitals and other health- care settings such as nursing homes and dialysis centers, where patients with open wounds or weakened immune systems are more susceptible to infection, measures to ensure that high hygiene standards are maintained are of vital importance. Patients are often advised to wash their hands before and after eating a meal, and many hospitals now routinely offer hand wipes to help prevent the spread of MSRA.


Te nanoparticles could also greatly help to prevent the spread of infection


Biodegradable polymer nanoparticles (green) target and puncture the cell membranes of microbes (purple), killing even multidrug-resistant bacteria


before and after surgery. “Doctors could apply the nanoparticle-infused gels or lotions on their hands prior to surgical operations to prevent post-surgery infec- tion. Nurses could also use the gels or lotions on their hands to prevent bacteria transfer from one patient to another. Te nanoparticle-infused sprays may be used to sterilize the surfaces of furniture and equipment in hospitals to kill bacteria,” says Yang. Since its establishment in 2003,


the IBN has been rapidly building a reputation as a world-class hub for


The MicroKit wins Silver Innovation Award


The MicroKit, a unique all-in-one device developed by the A*STAR Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology that enables fast and accurate detection of infectious diseases, has won the Silver Award at the Asian Innovation Awards 2011.


T 92


he capacity to monitor, prevent and contain the spread of infec- tious diseases is of critical impor-


tance for effective management of global


health. Te threat posed by infectious diseases has increased considerably in the past half-century due to the challenges associated with sustained population


bioengineering and nanotechnology. By providing a research environment that links multiple disciplines and playing an active role in partnering with global institutions, the IBN is developing new technologies, biomaterials, devices, sys- tems and processes to produce research breakthroughs aimed at improving healthcare and quality of life.


1. Nederberg, F. et al. Biodegradable nanostructures with selective lysis of microbial membranes. Nature Chemistry 3, 409–414 (2011).


growth, overcrowding, and the speed and ease of international travel. Te wide- spread havoc caused by the SARS virus in 2003 and a new strain of the influenza A H1N1 virus in 2009 have highlighted the need for early and effective containment of disease outbreaks.


One of the outstanding breakthrough


technologies to have emerged from the A*STAR Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) in response to these concerns is the MicroKit — a miniaturized diagnostic kit that offers a rapid, low-cost and reliable method for the early detection of diseases, which may provide an important line of defense against pandemics. Te MicroKit has now received the


Silver Award at Te Wall Street Journal’s Asian Innovation Awards 2011, garnering


A*STAR RESEARCH OCTOBER 2011–MARCH 2012


© 2011 IBN


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