The recent discovery by scientists at the Institute of Nano Science & Technology (INST) has made headlines due to its potential implications in providing an economical and less complex alternative for cataract prevention. The researchers have developed nanorods from the Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) Aspirin, transforming the well-known medication used commonly for reducing pain, fever or inflammation into a promising non-invasive small molecule-based nanotherapy against cataracts.
Understanding Cataracts
Before delving into the new discovery, let’s define what cataracts are. Cataracts are a primary form of blindness. They occur when the structure of crystallin proteins, which make up the lens in human eyes, deteriorates. This deterioration prompts the damaged or disorganised proteins to aggregate and form a milky blue or brown layer. This layer subsequently affects lens transparency, impairing vision.
As we age, and under certain conditions, the lens protein crystallin aggregates, forming opaque structures in the eye lens. These aggregates lead to vision impairment known as cataracts. Thus, it is crucial to prevent the formation of these aggregates and destroy them at an early stage of disease progression as a primary approach to treating cataracts.
Aspirin’s Role in Combating Cataracts
The INST scientists have leveraged the anti-aggregation ability of self-built aspirin nanorods as a novel non-invasive small molecule-based nanotherapy against cataracts. These aspirin nanorods can prevent the protein from aggregating through biomolecular interactions. These interactions transform the protein into coil and helical structures, which render it incapable of aggregating.
The Significance of the Discovery
Owing to their nano-size, aspirin nanorods are expected to enhance bioavailability, improve drug loading, and lower toxicity. This suggests that the delivery of aspirin nanorods as eye drops can serve as an effective and viable non-surgical treatment option for cataracts.
The simplicity, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness of this method make it particularly valuable for patients in developing countries that may not have access to expensive cataract treatments and surgeries. Therefore, this discovery has the potential to revolutionise cataract treatment, making it more accessible to a broader population.
Source: PIB
