Novel use of nanoparticles target non-invasive treatment for deep cancer

Researchers at the National University of Singapore have discovered a new technology that can lead to a non-invasive method of treating deep cancer. Research, led by Professor Zhang Yong, has proven that their nanoparticle technology could reduce tumor growth and control the process by which information from a gene is used in the synthesis of a functional gene product.

Yong’s team used nanoparticles, which are able to convert near-infrared light to visible or  UV light, to control gene expression. Genes release certain proteins to ensure that our body works well and remains healthy. However, sometimes, this process can go wrong and cause our body to malfunction the process of gene expression. Near-infrared  light is non-toxic and is able to penetrate deeper in the tissues. When the near-infrared reaches the certain parts in the body, the nanoparticles convert the near-infrared light back to UV light to successfully activate the genes by controlling the amount of proteins expressed. Conventional light therapy has been used to treat tumors by using visible light to activate light sensitive drugs that kill cancer cells. However, the visible light cannot penetrate to the deep-seated tumors. But with near-infrared light is able to penetrate much deeper and able to activate the light sensitive drugs.

I found this article interesting and important to the bioengineering community for a multitude of reasons. Firstly, non-invasive treatments and methods continue to grow in importance and enlarge the scope of medical technology. Also, I found it interesting how the application of nanoparticles, drugs can be activated by near-infrared light, since it safe and is able to penetrate deeper into tissues to treat diseased cells. Lastly, this technology has developed a platform for a wide range for future innovations.

Article available: http://phys.org/news/2012-09-nanoparticles-non-invasive-treatment-deep-cancer.html