Will nanorods be the next big male contraceptive idea?

Will nanorods be the next big male contraceptive idea?

Successful experiments on mice bode well for a future human contraceptive - if men can stomach the injections Researchers in China have discovered a new method of male contraception: a quick injection of gold nanorods into the testes, followed by a 10 minute dose of infrared light. The procedure has only been demonstrated in mice, but the researchers believe it could be used for dogs and cats – and even humans. Pet contraception is considered an important topic, given the four million unwanted dogs and cats that are thought to be put down every year in the US alone. Many vets routinely sterilise pets, but since surgery requires time and expertise scientists have been looking for cheaper, simpler alternatives.

http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/2013/06/gold-nanorods-male-contraceptive



Functionalising the nanorods with methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) enables them to be used for contraception or even sterilisation © ACS