The researchers of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have succeeded in developing multi-layered micro-particles into various shapes using certain materials. Earlier, the multilayered micro-particles could be developed only into a certain number of shapes, which was an obstacle in filling the micro-particles with various drugs or cells.

The micro-particles are used by pharmaceutical companies in delivering drugs to various cells and were used to create support for building artificial tissues. These two hurdles discouraged extraction of complete benefits out of the micro-particles. With the new development by the researchers of MIT, the micro-particles were able to carry multiple drugs and in any form of shape, thereby enabling creation of artificial tissues easily.

MIT's new method involves insertion of gel into tiny mold. After the gel settles in the mold it is heated, which causes its walls to shrink back away from the sides of the molded gel. Then a second layer of gel containing a different type of drug or cell is added in the extra space that the shrinkage has opened up.

The process could be repeated a number of times to create a micro-particle containing several layers. The multilayered micro-particle has been developed with the use of sugar gel called agarose so far, in a number of shapes.