Peace Out Cancer

So much planning goes into the creation of a new drug. It has to target the proper organs and have minimal side effects. It cannot be toxic and must be tested thoroughly before it can be sold. Personally, I never realized just how many factors need to be considered throughout the process. I recognized that a lot of work is required to find the perfect combination of chemicals which allow the drug to function properly, but there are numerous other factors that did not quite cross my mind. When we discussed the research that Gabriella Tamasi has been conducting, we learned that the mode of delivery of the drug into the body is through the use of hydrogels. Apparently I have always taken this “minor” detail for granted. Sure, I knew that it must have been pretty difficult to come up with the pill that helps my cough or cures my infection, but I did not even consider the fact that the drug had to somehow be properly released in my body. Now that I think about it, using gels to send a drug into the body sounds like such a brilliant idea.
When we discussed the rheoreversible organogels that are used to clean artwork, I found it fascinating. Scientists have found such an efficient way to remove unwanted chemicals from the surfaces of paintings. The researchers recognized that gels are the best medium for applying a cleaning agent, but that gels are difficult to remove once applied. To overcome this obstacle, they discovered a fairly simple method of reverting the substance from liquid to gel, and back to liquid again, in order to best preserve the artwork. Again, what a novel idea. Essentially they just mix in some mild vinegar and the gel slides right off without harming the painting. I’m not much of an art person myself, but I do recognize the importance of conserving history and culture. However, applying this concept of gels as a medium of delivery for anti-cancer drugs is what really affected me. Personally, I thought this was the most fascinating topic that we have discussed and it left me wanting to sprint over to Gabriella’s lab to help out. I may have just figured out what I am going to do with my life afterall…