Gold coatings have made it possible to use toxic cobalt nanoparticles for biomedical applications. Gold coated ferromagnetic nanoparticles tagged with HIV antibodies may be able to detect virus particles left after completion of conventional drug therapy.
Metal nanoparticles in the form of dendrimers have also been functionalized with different biomolecules to detect specific proteins, antibodies, and other disease indicators. Fluorescent markers can also be attached to the dendrimers.
Biomolecule coated ultra-small superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) particles injected in the blood stream recognize target molecular markers present inside cells and induce a specific signal for detection by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This technology may allow for detection of individual cancer cells months or years earlier than traditional diagnostic tools, which require the presence of hundreds of cancer cells.
A nanoparticle-based bio barcode amplification assay (BCA) utilizes gold nanoparticles and magnetic micro particles attached to large numbers of DNA strands and antibodies for a specific disease marker. The marker binds to the nano- and micro particles forming a complex that is separated from the sample using a magnetic field.
Heating the complexes releases the DNA barcodes, which emit an amplified signal due to their large numbers. This BCA technology has been applied to the detection of markers for Alzheimer’s disease and is being investigated for numerous others.
Targeted drug delivery systems can convey drugs more effectively and/or more conveniently, increase patient compliance, extend the product life cycle, provide product differentiation, and reduce health care costs.
Delivery systems that rely on nanomaterials also allow for targeted delivery of compounds characterized by low oral bioavailability due to poor water solubility, permeability and/or instability and provide for longer sustained and controlled release profiles.
These technologies can increase the potency of traditional small molecule drugs in addition to potentially providing a mechanism for treating previously incurable diseases. The use of magnetic nanoparticles in targeted drug delivery systems is under investigation by several research groups.
Therapeutic drug molecules have been immobilized on the surface of magnetic nanoparticles or nanocrystals and directed to a specific target tissue using a magnetic field gradient. The drug is released by applying a radio frequency (RF) pulse.
Gold coated iron, nickel and cobalt ferromagnetic nanoparticles have been employed in this “tag and drag” approach. In hypothermal treatment, magnetic nanoparticles are directed to diseased tissue containing heat sensitive tumours. An ac magnetic field is applied such that the nanoparticles become heated, causing destruction of the cancerous cells.
More effective radiation therapy for tumour treatment can also be expected using metallic nanoparticles instead of, for example, magnetite. The nanoparticles allow the application of higher dosages of radiation at the tumour while sparing normal tissue.
Numerous other potential applications exist in the medical and pharmaceutical field for nanomaterials from Strem. Areas currently under investigation include gene therapy, antibacterial/antimicrobial agents for burn and wound dressings, repair of damaged retinas, artificial tissues, prosthetics, enhancing signals for magnetic resonance imaging examinations, and as radio frequency controlled switching of complex biochemical processes Nanotechnology has the potential to increase our ability to understand the fundamental working of living cells. Many potential applications for metal nanomaterials as biosensors and bio labels are under investigation. They have found use in cellular studies, enhanced spectroscopic techniques, biochips, and protein and enzyme analysis. Early detection of disease remains a primary goal of the medical community. Nanotechnology holds great promise for enabling the achievement of this goal. Nanoparticles have exhibited tremendous potential for detecting fragments of viruses, pre-cancerous cells, disease markers, and indicators of radiation damage
Many are available in our booklet Gold, Elements and Compounds including catalysts, MOCVD/ALD precursors, nanomaterials and more. For a free booklet contact us at enquiries@strem.co.uk or take a look at our website where we have many new products from the last 6 months
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Catalogue Number |
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Description |
Colour & Form |
CAS Number |
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Gold nanoparticles, 1% on Titania (rutile) (surfactant and reactant-free) |
purple solid |
7440-57-5 |
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Gold nanoparticles, 1% on Titania (anatase) (surfactant and reactant-free) |
dark purple solid |
7440-57-5 |
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Gold nanoparticles, 1% on carbon black (surfactant and reactant-free) |
black solid |
7440-57-5 |
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Gold nanoparticles, 5% on carbon black (surfactant and reactant-free) |
black solid |
7440-57-5 |
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Gold nanoparticles, 10% on Titania (rutile) (surfactant and reactant-free) |
dark purple solid |
7440-57-5 |
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|
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Gold nanoparticles, 10% on Titania (anatase) (surfactant and reactant-free) |
purple solid |
7440-57-5 |