Magnetically Guided Nanoparticles to Target and Destroy Diseased Cells

Currently, we take the shotgun approach to treatments for diseases like cancer. The body is indiscriminately bombarded with drugs and radiation harmful to diseased and healthy cells alike. While we may not cure cancer right away, researchers are trying to develop new ways to more carefully image and destroy diseased cells.

In a recent journal article, scientists at Rice University and the Methodist Hospital Research Institute said experimental nanoparticles impregnated with iron oxide may improve MRI imaging techniques and even be used to treat diseased tissue.

The researchers made two nanoconstructs, embedding iron oxide particles in silicon mesoporous particles (SiMPs), pictured at the top of the page and above, and discoidal polymeric nanoconstructs (DPNs).

The iron oxide allows researchers to magnetically move the nanoparticles to desired locations and hold them there. Further, when embedded in the larger nanoparticles, the imaging efficacy of iron oxide—already used as an MRI contrast agent—proved to be 10 times better with a lower dose of iron than traditional contrast agents.