Technology Overview
This technology is a synthesis technique for preparing biocompatible, multifunctional nanoparticles. In particular, the method allows preparation of nanoparticles that have a core of magnetite, a coating of silica, and an external surface that is functionalized with a photoluminescent “quantum dot” cadmium selenide/zinc sulfide outer layer and specific “recognition molecules” (ligands) that bind to cancer cells. These composite nanoparticles do not biodegrade and can be manipulated and heated by radio frequency (RF) induction. They can also be imaged to identify cancerous regions.
The nanomaterial produced by this technology can be introduced to a cancerous region within the body and then heated via application of an alternating magnetic field to destroy the cancer cells without damaging healthy cells. The ability of the nanoparticles to heat and destroy a small region is a promising therapeutic modality for some cancers.
Benefits
- Biocompatible: The silica layer prevents the biodegradation of the magnetite (iron oxide) core
- Reduced RF exposure – Magnetite is an effective hyperthermal agent such that the high RF absorption of the magnetite core means that only short RF exposure times of about two minutes are needed
- Effective targeting: The ability to incorporate recognition molecules allows selective targeting of cancerous cells to allow diagnosis, imaging, and treatment of tumors
The technology has application as part of a targeted thermotherapy cancer treatment (i.e., pancreatic
cancer).
Keywords: nanoparticles, cancer therapy, magnetite, superparamagnetic, radio requency, RF heating, silica, biocompatible, fluorescent, photoluminescent, cyctotoxity, tumor, agnetic nanoparticle, cell necrosis, proteins, functionalized, conjugated compound, quantum dot, iron oxide, thermotherapy, silane, hyperthermia, medical imaging, cancer diagnostic
Inventors: Alexandru S. Biris, Yang Xu, Daoyuan Wang
