The particles developed consist of an iron oxide core,
allowing for the diagnostic imaging of tumours by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). They are coated with a
gold shell that, when activated by laser light, will result in
nanoparticle heating which can be used to accurately
control the release of anti-cancer drugs. In contrast to
the non-porous and well-formed blood vessels in normal
tissue, the capillaries that supply the cancerous tissue with blood are leaky, disorganised and highly permeable. The advantage of using these tiny nanostructures
is that they are capable of entering through the leaky capillaries and accumulating within the poorly-formed tumour and, due to the poor lymphatic drainage, they remain inside. Hence this phenomenon can facilitate targeted drug delivery within the tumour, opening up
the possibility of administering lower drug doses with a
triggered release capability. The advantage of such is
the promotion of therapeutic benefits and the reduction in
negative side effects. Current challenges under investigation include the formation of ‘linker’ molecules which
allow for drug attachment onto the gold surface of the
nanoparticle which breakdown to release the drug at increased temperature, together with coating techniques to
render the theranostics as non-toxic without heat activation.
wards, the Keele Nanopharmacetics group are planning
to continue forming new technologies, exploring innovative concepts and creating new partnerships in the area,
as they believe that theranostics holds the key to modern
healthcare and that we will see these agents advance
into the clinic in future.
Diagram showing nanoparticle leakage from bloodstream into tumour
tissue resulting in localised drug delivery.
The cutting-edge work in these areas is challenging traditional approaches and pushing past current boundaries
in cancer diagnosis and treatment. The group at Keele
have established a global reputation in nano-sized drug
delivery vehicles and theranostic agents which has resulted in collaborations not only within the University, but
also across the UK as well as internationally. Moving for-
NANOPHARMACEUTICS
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