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Monday, 29th June 2009 (5366 views)

Gold nanorods coated with polymers can be used to destroy cancer tumours, scientists have discovered.

Researchers in the US have proven that nanorods made from the precious metal are more effective than spherical alternatives at eliminating cancer in animal test subjects.

Led by Sangeeta Bhatia of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Michael Sailor from the University of California, San Diego, a team of scientists carried out tests that concluded gold nanorods coated with polyethylene glyco can remain in the bloodstream for approximately 17 hours, meaning they can accumulate within cancer tumours.

A near infrared laser is then used on the test subject, which heats the nanorods to temperatures of up to 70 degrees C, therefore destroying the cancer cells.

This research is the latest in a series of experiments designed to test the effectiveness of gold in treatment of the disease, with scientists at the University of Massachusetts Amherst recently using the metal in the development of a 'chemical nose' that can detect cancer.

 

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