Hollow structures that self-assemble in solution could one day be used to
ferry drugs and DNA into patients, say scientists at the French Atomic Energy
Commission in Saclay. They dissolved myristic acid and cetyltrimethylammonium
hydroxide in water at 60 °C. When a solution containing slightly more
myristate ions than cetyltrimethylammonium ions is cooled, they reassemble to
form micrometre-diameter, hollow balls with 20 faces and pores at each vertex
(Nature, vol 411, p 572).
To continue reading, today with our introductory offers
Advertisement
More from Â鶹´«Ã½
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Popular articles
Trending Â鶹´«Ã½ articles
1
We've found a mysterious substance on Titan and Pluto
2
Faecal transplant makes the brains of old mice act young again
3
The secrets to keeping your brain sharp in old age
4
A quantum state that lasts forever may finally be within our grasp
5
Can prebiotics, probiotics or postbiotics help your ageing microbiome?
6
Bioplastic habitats on Mars could be built from algae
7
Cervical cancer deaths have plummeted thanks to HPV vaccine
8
Remarkable fossils rewrite the story of how animals conquered the land
9
Autism may have two distinct subtypes that vary by brain activity
10
Chilling the body with drugs could limit brain damage from stroke
