DNA procedure used to treat heart disease at UW

UW-Madison researchers have developed a way to use gene therapy more effectively.  

 

Professor of chemical and biological engineering David M. Lynn and his colleagues have created small, ultra thin films made up of DNA and water-soluble chemicals, according to a release.  

 

These films can be used to coat medical devices like the small metal cylinders inserted into patients after intravascular surgery. When inside a body, the films dissolve and release the DNA, which then instructs cells to make specific proteins.  

 

The films may be able to treat different problems arising from cardiovascular surgery Lynn said in the release. He said the process was sucessfully tested inside a lab rabbit's artery.