Wednesday, 25th January 2006 (5067 views)

Scientists have used gold nanoparticles in a new technique that could potentially seek and destroy diseased human tissue, Newswise reports.

The research was conducted by staff at a cancer centre at the University of Texas and is published in the January 23rd to 27th edition of The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

The scientists detailed how tiny gold nanoshuttles harnessed to viral particles could seek out diseased tissue in the body.

Once there, it's possible that the nanoparticles, if tuned in a particular way, could zap tissue or emit a signal detectable by imaging devices.

Scientists often favour gold in such research as the yellow metal is biologically compatible with the human body.

The scientists have hailed the discovery as a potential breakthrough in the field.

"Gold is a perfect metal to perform these different functions, and scientists have been trying to find a way to target such particles to specific organs or tissues, but it has been extremely difficult," commented Renata Pasqualini, co-leader of the study.

"Instead of taking the usual approach by using a synthetic molecule or polymer, we have found a way to mix a 'genetically programmable' nanoparticle with a biologically compatible metal that together target specific locations in the body."

The new technique could potential be used to treat heart disease and cancer by locating damaged areas on arteries or specific tumours.

 

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