Scientists from Princess Margaret Hospital, Canada, have created an organic nanoparticle that is completely non-toxic, biodegradable, and able to use light and heat to treat cancer and deliver drugs. The new nanoparticle, unlike other nanoparticles, has a unique and versatile structure that could potentially change the way tumors are treated. Principal investigator Dr. Gang Zheng, a senior scientist at the Ontario Cancer Institute, said, “In the lab, we combined two naturally occurring molecules (chlorophyll and lipid) to create a unique nanoparticle that shows promise for numerous diverse light-based (biophotonic) applications. The structure of the nanoparticle, which is like a miniature and colorful water balloon, means it can also be filled with drugs to treat the tumor it is targeting.” The nanoparticle is a complete package, meaning it is a kind of one-stop shopping for various types of cancer imaging and treatment options that can now be mixed and matched in ways previously unimaginable, says Zheng, adding: “The unprecedented safety of this nanoparticle in the body is the icing on the cake. We are excited by the possibilities for its use in the clinic.” The team’s findings were published this week in the journal Nature Materials. The article can be viewed online at the link below.
http://www.uhn.ca/applications/PMH/iNews/ViewStory.aspx?s_id=1333