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Thursday, 1st May 2008 (3068 views)

Microscopic layers of gold are being used in the creation of origami-style folded pyramids that could be used to deliver micro and nano-quantities of drugs within the body.

Researchers at the University of Southern California's Information Sciences Institute (ISI) described the new technique in a paper published in the Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering.

The two-stage process includes the creation of a flat pattern similar to an origami pattern, which shows where the folds of the pyramid will go. The sides of the pattern measure as little as 30 micrometres - one inch is equal to around 25,400 micrometres.

Patterns are laid out in polysilicon, which sits on top of the gold layer. Magnetic force is then used to bend the hinges of the pattern, before the tiny pyramids are submerged in water and dried, which brings the folds together.

The paper concludes that the technique has "extremely promising" potential for the mass production of the drug delivery pyramids.

ISI is a technology research centre that specialises in the field of robotics, artificial intelligence and computer architecture.

 

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