HOW DOES IT WORK?
So, we’re talking about cannabinoid nanoparticles here. But what exactly does that mean? Why would we want to use cannabinoids, how big is such a nanoparticle and how would these particles be administered in humans?
Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids -a class of lipophilic compounds that can activate either the cannabinoid CB1 or CB2 receptor - have shown potent anti-inflammatory effects. In a seminal study published in the journal Nature in 2005, the anti-atherosclerotic effect of low dose oral cannabinoids was clearly demonstrated in mice.
However, research activity in this area has unfortunately been relatively subdued. This may be –in part- attributed to psychotropic side effects and poor bioavailability of orally administered cannabinoids. To overcome these limitations, nanoparticle formulations may offer an attractive alternative. In practice this means that the cannabinoids will be ‘packed’ in endegonous nanoparticles, offering the opportunity to effectively deliver these anti-atherosclerostic molecules to the diseased sites (Precision Medicine).
Important to realize is that these cannabinoid nanoparticles are NOT a type of medical marijuana.
What is the size of a nanoparticle?
In order to conceptualize a nanosized particle, try to imagine the diameter of the earth, which is almost 13,000 km. At 22 cm the size of a football is nearly 58 million times smaller. A nanoparticle is 58 million times smaller than a football!
Watch the animation made by Willem!
Intravenous administration
Animation of extraction, isolation, dis-assembly, drug loading and re-assembly of endegonous nanoparticles.
Again, made by Willem!.