Nanotechnology proves an effective barrier against anthrax infection
Clemson University chemist uses carbon nanotubes to attract anthrax spores; once bound, particles are too large to lodge in the lungs; aerosol spray, gel, and foam are likely commercial applications
The fiend who mailed anthrax to Capitol Hill in 2001 is still at large — recent reports say the FBI has expanded the search — but scientists are hard at work trying to develop countermeasures should he or another equally devious, scientifically minded terrorist try the stunt again. We have reported on a number of these efforts, but most have involved the hunt for an effective, safe, and economical vaccine. A chemist at Clemson University, however, wants to stop anthrax in its tracks before it reaches the lungs. Once again, nanotechnology comes to the rescue.
Ya-Ping Sun’s approach, published online in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, relies on the fact that anthrax spores are covered with carbohydrates. By covering carbon nanotubes with a scaffolding of sugar, Sun can attract and then bind the spores into clusters too large to stick in the lungs, thereby preventing infection. A similar technique for E. coli has already been proven. Investors and techophiles take note: Sun believes his product could be developed into an aerosol spray, gel, or foam for use by first responders, and that it might have battlefield applications as well. We can think of one more: would not congressional mailrooms like to have such a device on hand?
-read more in this news release
