Thai scientists develop innovative silk-based drug delivery system
- Scientists at Chulalongkorn University have developed a method to encapsulate drugs in silk fibroin for gradual release.
- Silk fibroin offers advantages over other natural proteins due to its strength, stability, and reduced side effects.
- The research could revolutionize drug delivery, though regulatory hurdles must be overcome before widespread commercialization.
In Thailand, researchers at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok are pioneering a novel approach to medicine delivery using silk fibroin, a natural protein derived from silk. This research, led by Juthamas Ratanavaraporn, aims to encapsulate drugs within silk to enable a controlled, gradual release into the body, potentially reducing the frequency and dosage required for effective treatment. Silk fibroin is noted for its strength, stability, and biocompatibility, making it a superior option compared to traditional drug carriers like gelatin or chitosan. The initial motivation for this work stems from silk's long history in Thailand, where it has been produced for centuries, and the researchers are capitalizing on its properties to address health challenges. The company formed from this research, EngineLife, has focused on the production of medical-grade silk needed for these innovations, which involves strict controls over the environmental conditions of silkworm rearing to ensure consistent quality. Currently, they produce 25-30 kilograms of silk annually, which can yield up to a million doses of the drug delivery system. Despite the promising technology, challenges remain in getting regulatory approval from Thailand’s FDA, which is critical for moving forward with clinical trials and commercializing the product. As Ratanavaraporn noted, their first product, a CBD silk fibroin patch for insomnia, was launched recently in Thailand, marking a significant milestone in the practical application of their research and signaling a potential transformation in how medications are delivered.