Researchers have developed a promising new approach to treating inflammation during pregnancy, using tiny synthetic particles known as nanozymes. The international team, which includes scientists from Empa, ETH Zurich, the Cantonal Hospital of St. Gallen, and Zhejiang University in China, aims to create nanomedicines that are both safe and effective for pregnant patients—a group for whom treatment options are often limited.
Pregnancy complications such as infections, preeclampsia, diabetes, and the risk of premature birth are frequently linked to inflammation. However, many current medications pose risks to the developing fetus or fail to work effectively during pregnancy.
Nanozymes could offer a solution. These nanometer-sized particles mimic the behavior of natural enzymes and can be tailored to target specific diseases. With funding from the Swiss National Science Foundation, the team is developing nanozymes that activate only under certain conditions, such as in inflamed tissue. Once active, the particles can reduce harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) or fight infections without harming the mother or child.
“By adjusting their surface properties and core materials, we can fine-tune nanozymes for specific medical needs,” said Empa researcher Vassilis Tagaras.
To ensure safety, researchers are conducting rigorous laboratory tests using realistic human models. One key tool is a placenta model made from tissue donated after Caesarean deliveries. This allows the team to study how nanozymes interact with the placental barrier and how they are transported within the body.
Another innovation is the “placenta chip”—a polymer device containing human cells that simulate the maternal-fetal interface. This allows scientists to observe not only how nanozymes travel through the placenta but also their potential impact on early embryonic development.
Early results are encouraging. “So far, the nanozymes do not disrupt the placental barrier or show harmful effects in the models we’ve tested,” said Tagaras. The next phase of research will examine the particles’ anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties in more detail.
This work represents a significant step toward developing targeted, pregnancy-safe therapies and could eventually lead to new treatment options for a wide range of prenatal conditions.
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