Revolutionary SCP-Nano Method Enhances Precision in Drug Delivery and Gene Therapy
January 15, 2025
The technology is likened to a parcel delivery service, emphasizing the importance of precise delivery to intended targets rather than unintended locations.
Dr. Jie Luo, the study's first author, noted that SCP-Nano can detect nanocarriers at extremely low doses, as low as 0.0005 mg/kg, which is crucial for identifying unwanted accumulation in organs like the heart and liver.
Employing optical tissue clearing and light-sheet microscopy, SCP-Nano enables visualization of nanocarriers and their interactions with specific cells.
The research demonstrated that various nanocarriers, including DNA origami structures, adeno-associated viruses (AAVs), and lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), can be targeted to specific cells and tissues.
The method enhances the safety and effectiveness of therapies such as mRNA vaccines and gene therapies by detecting potential off-target accumulation of lipid nanoparticles in heart tissue.
Researchers at Helmholtz Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, and Technical University Munich have developed an innovative method called Single-Cell Profiling of Nanocarriers (SCP-Nano) to analyze the distribution of nanocarriers in mice at a single-cell level.
SCP-Nano represents a significant advancement in improving treatment precision and minimizing side effects, particularly in the fields of cancer treatment, gene therapy, and vaccine development.
Examples of nanocarriers studied include LNPs, DNA origami structures, and AAVs, each suited for different therapeutic applications.
The findings promise safer and more effective treatments, particularly in the development of mRNA vaccines and gene therapies.
This innovative approach enhances the understanding of therapeutic interactions within the body and can be adapted for human tissues, pushing the boundaries of precision medicine and targeted drug delivery.
SCP-Nano allows for the identification of nanocarriers in extremely low doses, providing insights on their interactions with various organs and cells.
This study, published in Nature Biotechnology, aims to ensure that life-saving drugs and genetic therapies reach their target cells without causing harmful side effects.
Summary based on 3 sources
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Sources

ScienceDaily • Jan 14, 2025
SCP-Nano: A new technology to visualize nanocarriers in cells and tissues
Phys.org • Jan 14, 2025
SCP-Nano: New technology visualizes nanocarriers in cells and tissues
Mirage News • Jan 15, 2025
SCP-Nano Unveils Nanocarrier Imaging Tech