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Wednesday, 4th March 2009 (1484 views)

A PhD student whose new cancer treatment technique uses gold nanotechnology has been awarded a top prize for his pioneering efforts.

Geoffrey von Maltzahn, a graduate of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and a biomedical engineer, developed gold nano-antennas that can target and destroy cancerous tumours.

And his innovative work has earned him the Lemelson-MIT Student Prize and a cheque for $30,000 (£21,352).

"This concept of engineering systems of nanoparticles that collectively outsmart disease barriers has many potential applications in medicine, from improving regenerative medicines to ultra-sensitive diagnostics," Mr von Maltzahn said.

He added that drug doses delivered to cancer patients may become more effective with reduced side effects as a result of his work.

Last month scientists at Northwestern University announced that adding small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules to the surface of gold nanoparticles can improve the ability of siRNA to regulate cancer genes, Nanowerk reported.

 

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