New HIV-blocking gel developed

A new gel has been developed by scientists that could help to prevent the spread of HIV amongst women.

Researchers from the University of Utah have created a new type of "molecular condom" that may be used in Africa and other impoverished regions to protect against Aids.

The gel can be inserted before sex and is intended to trap HIV virus particles in a microscopic mesh, preventing the infection of vaginal cells.

Patrick Kiser, senior author and associate professor at the university, commented in the journal Advanced Functional Materials: "The first step in the complicated process of HIV infection in a woman is the virus diffusing from semen to vaginal tissue. We want to stop that first step.

"This is important - particularly in resource-poor areas of the world like sub-Saharan Africa and south Asia where, in some age groups, as many as 60 per cent of women already are infected with HIV."

While research is ongoing, a first study into the gel was published by Kiser and his team in 2007.

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