NUS researchers develop DNA-tagged gold nanoparticles for targeted cancer therapy
A team from the National University of Singapore (NUS), led by Assistant Professor Andy Tay, has introduced a DNA-tagging method to improve the precision of gold nanoparticle-based cancer treatments. Their approach, detailed in Advanced Functional Materials, published on November 24, 2024, enables high-throughput screening of nanoparticle shapes, sizes, and modifications, reducing screening costs while enhancing therapeutic accuracy.
Gold nanoparticles, particularly triangular ones, show promise in both drug delivery and photothermal therapy, where they absorb light and generate heat to destroy tumor cells. However, successful treatment depends on nanoparticles reaching their targets. The researchers addressed this by using DNA barcodes, allowing them to track nanoparticle interactions within the body and optimize their design for better uptake by cancer cells.
The study revealed that round nanoparticles, though less effective in cell cultures, performed well in preclinical tumor models due to lower immune clearance. Triangular nanoparticles excelled in both settings, demonstrating strong uptake and photothermal properties. These findings demonstrate the need to reconsider nanoparticle design beyond traditional spherical shapes.
Expanding their work, the team plans to test 30 nanoparticle designs for organ-specific targeting and gene-silencing applications, potentially improving RNA delivery techniques for various diseases. According to Tay, their approach overcomes a major hurdle in nanomedicine, that is, ensuring precise drug delivery tailored to different organs, enhancing both safety and effectiveness.
Category: Education
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