生物谷報道：納米技術(shù)應(yīng)用于生物學(xué)將成為未來的熱點(diǎn)，科學(xué)家正在努力將納米應(yīng)用化,，即使納米制成有規(guī)則的幾何物體,，如納米導(dǎo)線，納米管,，自組織的八聯(lián)體等都是近年來在納米領(lǐng)域的最新進(jìn)展,。而在生物學(xué)領(lǐng)域，納米主要應(yīng)用于一些材料上,，尚未找到合適的結(jié)合點(diǎn),，而最近科學(xué)家采用納米技術(shù)，通過納米的特性,，造出了自組織的納米細(xì)胞,，這開創(chuàng)了一個新的研究方向,。

For example, a new method for producing uniform, self-assembled nanocells has been developed by researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Reported in the March 10 issue of the Journal of the American Chemical Society, the method may have applications as an improved method for encapsulating drug therapies. A patent application has been filed.

Current bulk methods for producing nanocells called liposomes---a type of artificial cell---produce particles in a wide range of sizes. The sizes must be sorted and filtered before being used for drug delivery, since dosage depends critically on size.

The new NIST method uses micrometer-size channels etched into a device to produce self-assembled liposomes of specific sizes from as large as about 240 nanometers (nm) to as small as about 100 nm. A stream of natural fats (lipids) dissolved in alcohol is directed at an intersection of two channels that looks like a micro version of a four-way stop. A water-based liquid containing medicines or other substances is sent toward the lipid stream from two opposing directions. Rather than mixing with the water, the lipids surround it, forming self-assembled nanocells.

Controlling flow rates in the microchannels produces nanocells of specific sizes. Faster flows produce smaller cells. Medicine-filled liposomes made in nanosizes should allow for more accurate drug delivery. In particular, liposomes have been studied for years as a way to concentrate the effectiveness of cancer chemotherapy while minimizing harmful side effects.