A team led by Dr Antonios Kanaras showed that these nanoparticles can activate or inhibit genes that are involved in angiogenesis — a complex process responsible for the supply of oxygen and nutrients to most types of cancer.
‘The peptide-functionalised gold nanoparticles that we synthesised are very effective in the deliberate activation or inhibition of angiogenic genes,’ said Kanaras.
The team is said to have gone a step further by controlling the degree of damage to the endothelial cells using laser illumination. Endothelial cells construct the interior of blood vessels and play a pivotal role in angiogenesis. The researchers also found that the gold particles could be used as effective tools in cellular nanosurgery.
‘We have found that gold nanoparticles can have a dual role in cellular manipulation,’ said Kanaras. ‘Applying laser irradiation, we can use the nanoparticles either to destroy endothelial cells, as a measure to cut the blood supply to tumours, or to deliberately open up the cellular membrane in order to deliver a drug efficiently.’
The researchers are almost midway through their research, with their main aim being to develop a complete nanotechnology toolkit to manipulate angiogenesis. They are currently looking for funding to make this a reality within five to 10 years.
Massive new Coventry campus targets 60GWh battery output
Where will all the raw materials come from for the manufacturing process? How will they be transported to the factory and what is going to be done with the various scrap and residues?