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Iowa State Scientists Demonstrate First Use of Nanotechnology to Enter Plant Cells


May 16, 2007

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A team of Iowa State University (ISU) plant scientists and materials chemists are the first to use nanotechnology to penetrate plant cell walls and simultaneously deliver a gene and a chemical that triggers its expression with controlled precision. The team modified an ISU proprietary technology--mesoporous silica nanoparticles--to work in plant cells. Their breakthrough creates a powerful new tool for targeted delivery into plant cells.  Full Story

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Iowa State University

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