An international team of researchers from UK, France, and United States has developed hybrid*gold-silica Na**particles that are visible under three types of Imaging modalities*while being able to deliver chemo and photothermal therapy.*The Na**particles consist of a shell made out of mesoporous silica that has gold quantum dots seeded throughout. They can be tracked throughout the body using MRI, near-infrared fluorescence, and photoacoustic Imaging while carrying a therapeutic payload.
Gold quantum dots have previously looked promising for clinical applications, but when released on their own they tend to bunch together*and cause problems. Having these quantum dots attached to a larger particle maintains their functionality without letting them wonder off on their own. This allows the new Na**particles to enter cells without being toxic to them, that is until the particles’ location is confirmed and the therapeutic payload is released.
The researchers that developed these Na**particles believe that compared to liposomal drug carriers, the new Na**particles would have a drastically greater ability to reach their intended targets. In addition to bringing chemical compounds along, the Na**particles can be made to heat up using an external laser, killing nearby tumor cells.
Additionally, the same heating mechanism can be used for Imaging since temperature changes push the gold quantum dots apart which*create ultrasound waves in the process. Moreover, gold Na**particles smaller than 2 na**meters are magnetic and can be seen under MRI.
02-10-2015, 01:31 AM
New Gold-Silica Na**particles Act as Contrast Agents for Multiple Imaging Modalities
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