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10 March 2025
A Future Without Needles: Breast Milk-Inspired Technology Could Revolutionize Drug Delivery
The intricate interplay between human breast milk, nanoparticles, and macromolecules holds promise for innovative nutritional delivery strategies
New Research Paves the Way for Oral Vaccines and Injectable-Free Treatments.
Imagine a world where vaccines, insulin, and other essential medications could be swallowed instead of injected. This vision is now closer to reality, thanks to groundbreaking research from Technion scientists, published in the Journal of Controlled Release. Led by RTICC member Assistant Prof. Assaf Zinger and doctoral student Si Naftali from the Wolfson Faculty of Chemical Engineering, the study reveals how proteins found in human breast milk could hold the key to delivering drugs and vaccines through the digestive system and into the bloodstream.
The Secret of Breast Milk’s Transport Power
Breast milk is a complex and dynamic fluid that provides essential nutrients, antibodies, and growth factors to newborns. Researchers have now discovered that it also contains special proteins that help molecules cross the intestinal barrier—a natural defense that usually blocks harmful substances from entering the bloodstream. This study identified a unique “protein corona” in breast milk, which coats nanoparticles and enables them to pass through intestinal cells. By mimicking this mechanism, scientists hope to develop new drug delivery systems that eliminate the need for injections.
Transforming Medicine with Nano-Technology
Using this discovery, the research team aims to engineer tiny particles—called "milkosomes"—that can safely transport medications through the digestive system. These nanoscale carriers protect the drugs from harsh stomach conditions and ensure they reach the bloodstream effectively. If successful, this approach could revolutionize treatments for inflammation, diabetes, infections, cancer, and malnutrition by replacing injections with simple oral medications.
A Step Toward a Needle-Free Future
This breakthrough marks a significant step toward making medical treatments more accessible and less invasive. By harnessing the natural properties of breast milk, scientists are opening new doors for drug delivery and vaccine development. In the future, this technology could improve the lives of millions—especially those with chronic conditions—by offering a painless and more convenient alternative to injections.
The Research has been published in the Journal of Controlled Release.
