Medicine today is still generally the same in delivery as it was years ago. Most are orally taken and have a specific time to take effect. A much better treatment might be on the way, as intelligent drugs are now closer to reality.
A new method at delivering medicine is being made by researchers from the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). This new method would have medicine make its way into the bloodstream through DNA computers. These DNA computers can identify antibodies and make calculations.
A DNA computer is highly suitable in delivering medicine to specific points where it is needed. DNA is known to carry genetic information, and a DNA computer would be able to be more specific in determining where the medicine can be delivered. DNA molecules can also perform calculations. This can allow researchers to put in programs into the DNA computer.
Applications for DNA computers are still limited though. The input to DNA computers need DNA and RNA molecules. Researchers will have to input what specific treatment is needed based on the antibodies found at the time of the disease. This method has so far been successfully done my Maarten Merx, a biomechanical engineer.
In order to target the disease, information about the antibodies present are placed into DNA in the DNA computer. This would then determine if medicine is necessary for the disease, according to the Eindhoven University of Technology's site. By having a particular DNA, a series of reactions can then be made that is needed for the DNA computer to work, as explained by Wouter Engelen, primary author of the study and Ph.D. student.
The DNA computer can control enzymes. Engelen has said that it might also be possible to control antibodies through it. The DNA computer can be used in such illnesses like rheumatism, as Science Daily reports.
The future of medical science seems to be towards a more personalized form of medication. With this, intelligent drugs are now closer to reality. A study shows that brain differences can be found in ADHD.
