UTEP researchers develop nanohybrid vehicle to optimally deliver drugs into the human body

Ellagic acid has been shown to mitigate Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. But for ellagic acid to be effective, its cytotoxic potential needs to be reduced so only its anti-oxidant potential can be exploited. Researchers at The University of Texas at El Paso have developed a nanohybrid — a combination of two nanomaterials through chemical bonding — that can be used to optimally deliver ellagic acid into the human body. The researchers discovered that a nanohybrid made by combining ellagic acid and a sugar called chitosan reduces the cytotoxicity of ellagic acid while enhancing its anti-oxidant properties. This nanohybrid is uniquely suited for drug release over extended time periods.