Engineers Develop Cancer-Targeting Nanoprobe Sensors

Scientists at Berkeley have created a nanoprobe that can find target cancer cells, destroy them, then report the status back to the scientists. Even though it is only the beginning of a possibly life-changing nanoprobe, it is an amazing feat of engineering. The scientists call the multi-functioning probe the nanocoral. This name came from natural sea corals, which uses their rough surfaces to capture food and light. The probe consists of roughened gold on one side, and smooth polystyrene on the other side. The roughened side of the probe is designed to trap cells. The nanocoral then reports information back to the researchers if the cell is reacting to the new drug being delivered. The smooth polystyrene side of the probe uses a technique called the surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. The electromagnetic excitations that occur as the molecules attach to the rough side creates oscillations. These oscillations resonate at frequencies so that the researchers can detect their presence. The nanocoral can target specific cells by using the capability of antibodies to attach to polymer surfaces. By attaching the correct antibodies to the polystyrene surface, the nanocoral can attach to target cells.

I found this article interesting because it is a new design that may help the detection of cancer more efficient in the futre. Also, not only can it help in the detection of cancer cells, but it can also destroy the cells and relay the status of the cancer cells back to the researchers. The probe can also help researchers confirm whether or not a delivered drug is efficient or not in destroying malignant cells.

http://insciences.org/article.php?article_id=8261