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Tuesday, 4th July 2006 (6465 views)

Researchers have found that gold nanoparticles could be used as a component in the delivery of drugs to specific target locations within a cell, azonano.com reports.

Scientists Andre Skirtach and Wolfgang Parak developed multilayer microcapsules, spheres that could be filled with drugs for delivery to specific locations. This more accurate targeting could help with the treatment of cancer because it could avoid harmful side effects.

The pair included silver and gold nanoparticles in the shells of the microcapsules. The particles absorb light so if a laser pulse is sent to the capsules they can break apart, releasing the contents.

The capsules need to be taken up by living cells and the scientists managed to do this by using a tumour cell line. They made sure that only one capsule was taken up by each cell and managed to release the contents by using a laser pulse.

Other recent developments making use of gold nanoparticles to target cancerous cells include the creation of vapour microbubbles that can destroy leukaemia cells.

 

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