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Posted on Nov 19, 2013, 6 a.m.
International team devises a dual-surface nanostructure capable of all-in-one detection, diagnoses and drug-delivery treatment of cancer cells.
A first-of-its-kind nanostructure developed by Feng Wang, from the University of Houston (Texas, USA), and a team of international colleagues, carries a variety of cancer-fighting materials on its double-sided (Janus) surface and within its porous interior. This nanocarrier is capable of: transporting cancer-specific detection nanoparticles and biomarkers to a site within the body, holding potential to ascertain a diagnosis earlier than is possible with today’s tools; attaching fluorescent marker materials to illuminate specific cancer cells, for purposes of drug delivery or surgery, and delivering anti-cancer drugs for pinpoint targeted treatment of cancer cells, hopefully reducing side effects.
Feng Wang, Giovanni M. Pauletti, Juntao Wang, Jiaming Zhang, Rodney C. Ewing, Yilong Wang, Donglu Shi. “Dual Surface-Functionalized Janus Nanocomposites of Polystyrene/Fe3O4@SiO2 for Simultaneous Tumor Cell Targeting and Stimulus-Induced Drug Release.” Advanced Materials, 16 May 2013.
