SEPARATING THE HYPE AND THE BUZZ - Friday, August 27, 2010

NEWSWORTHY

Nano and transferring for cancer therapy
Researchers at the University of North Carolina have found that attaching transferrin (the fourth most common protein in the human body) with biocompatible nanoparticles can result in elimination of B-cell lymphoma cells (found in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma). The group used PRINT (Particle Replication in Non-wetting Templates) technology to produce biocompatible nanoparticles that, along with transferrin, could target and kill a broad range of cancerous cells (B-cell lymphoma cells, lung, ovarian, liver and prostate cancer cells). See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, and Journal of the American Chemical Society.

Breath test for cancer detection
Researchers at the Israel Institute of Technology have developed a nanosensor that can detect lung, breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers with one exhaled breath. The gold nanoparticles in the sensors can detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which are released into the blood stream by cancer cells. The sensor was tested with 177 volunteers (96 of them were cancer patients who had not received any treatment) and its results were cross-checked with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (a reliable method). Comparing the two techniques demonstrated the accuracy of the nanosensor. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, and British journal of cancer.

MSN to deliver chemo drugs
Scientists at the University of California, Los Angeles have found that mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) can be used to deliver chemotherapeutic drugs in vivo and effectively treat tumors in mice. The team exposed mice with camptothecin-loaded MSNs that reduced and regressed the xenograft tumors. The mice experienced minimal side effects and the nanoparticles were excreted from the body after delivering the drugs. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, and Small.

Simplified testing using nanoparticles
Arizona State University researchers have devised a method to assess patients with infectious diseases and/or unhealthy proteins. The team used a superhydrophobic surface with a small depression. In this they placed a drop of nanoparticles (or microparticles) on the patient’s fluid sample. The nanoparticles and the patient sample bonded quickly for affected samples. They also observed that the infectious agent moved to the center of the drop. They estimate the cost of this testing device (which they refer to as Integrascope) to be about $1 to $2 dollars, making it extremely affordable. See Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nature Precedings.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Multi-functional nanoparticle for imaging
A research team at the University of Washington developed a better imaging technique, eliminating noise, using multi-functional nanoparticles. The 30nm particles are made up of iron-oxide with a gold shell that does not touch the core. They produced magnetic vibrations in the nanoparticles using a pulsing magnetic field. A photoacoustic image was taken and everything except the vibrating pixels were eliminated during image processing. See AtoZ Nano, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nature Communications.

Nanoparticle suspension to aid algae growth
Researchers at Syracuse University have devised a method to enhance the growth of algae using nanoparticle suspension, which can aid in the production of biofuels. The team built a mini bioreactor by placing algae in a dish that was situated on top of another dish containing silver nanoparticles. By adjusting the size and concentration of the nanoparticles, they produced a selective blue light scattering that enhanced the metabolism (growth) of algae by 30 percent. See AtoZ Nano, First Science, Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nature.

Nanocoating to improve heat transfer
A research team from Oregon State University and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory has found that using nanoscale zinc oxide coating on aluminum or copper substrates improved heat transfer characteristics. The coating results in a textured surface with active boiling sites. The findings of this study could aid in devising cooling devices for advanced electronics. See AtoZ Nano, Nanowerk, and International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer.

Metal nanosheet color filter
A research group from the University of Michigan developed color filters from thin, nanoscale sheets of metal. The sheets also act as a polarizer eliminating the need for extra sheets. The sliced metal-dielectric-metal stacks act as resonators that capture and transmit light of a particular wavelength. The smallest image the researchers were able to develop was 12 microns by 9 microns. The results of this research can be applied in projection displays and used to develop bendable or extremely compact displays. See Nanotech Wire, Nanowerk, and Nature Communications.