Scientists look at sperm energy for robots

Ithaca, N.Y. -- U.S. scientists are examining whether they can capture the energy driving human sperm to propel nanoscale robots to deliver medicine.

By analyzing stages in the biological pathway sperm cells use to generate energy, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine researchers said they hope to recreate that process artificially to deliver medicine to targeted sites in the body, Canadian Broadcasting Corp. reported.

"Our idea is not the final product but rather an energy-delivery system," said Alex Travis, the study's senior author.

Powerful, microscopic sperm cells use a dual system to generate their energy, researchers said. Organelles in a sperm cell's midsection provide one part of its power, while a second process in the tail gives it an additional boost.

Researchers said they attached three of the 10 enzymes needed to create the so-called nano-robots fueled by sperm power. Their goal is to attach the remaining seven enzymes.

A nano-robot could be used to help build a delivery system for chemotherapy drugs or antibiotics that could decrease drug side effects by delivering medicines directly to the sites where they're needed.

The researchers presented their findings during the American Society for Cell Biology's annual meeting in Washington in December.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.