Fracking found in living tissues

In blue, small fractures between cells that close within minutes. Image: IBEC
In blue, small fractures between cells that close within minutes. Image: IBEC
Research
(10/02/2015)

Generally, the word hydraulic fracturing or fracking refers to the controversial technique used to extract gas and petroleum from shale rock layers. Now, Xavier Trepat, researcher in the Department of Physiological Sciences I of the University of Barcelona and ICREA research professor at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), has led a study that describes fracking in the body at a cellular level. The discovery opens avenues to new biotechnological applications, for instance the selective release of drugs. Trepat affirms that this technique could be used to cause small, reversible fractures in difficult to access tissues, and these could be used to deliver drugs in a controlled manner.

For further information, please visit IBEC site

 

In blue, small fractures between cells that close within minutes. Image: IBEC
In blue, small fractures between cells that close within minutes. Image: IBEC
Research
10/02/2015

Generally, the word hydraulic fracturing or fracking refers to the controversial technique used to extract gas and petroleum from shale rock layers. Now, Xavier Trepat, researcher in the Department of Physiological Sciences I of the University of Barcelona and ICREA research professor at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), has led a study that describes fracking in the body at a cellular level. The discovery opens avenues to new biotechnological applications, for instance the selective release of drugs. Trepat affirms that this technique could be used to cause small, reversible fractures in difficult to access tissues, and these could be used to deliver drugs in a controlled manner.

For further information, please visit IBEC site