Gold nanoparticles create cancer probe

Gold nanoparticles could be used to help improve cancer treatment following research by French scientists.

Researchers at the University of Bordeaux in France are using gold nanoparticles to create probes of biomolecules that will be able to track cell membranes, reports Nanotechnology News.

The results of the study, entitled single nanoparticles photothermal tracking (SNaPT) of 5nm gold beads in live cells and led by Brahim Lounis, appear in Biophysical Journal and could play a key role in understanding the development and process of cancer cells in the human body.

Creating a nanoprobe means that molecular motion can be tracked without having an impact on the standard membrane functions of cells. In order to track the gold nanoparticles, photo thermal spectroscopy is used to measure the level of heat emitted when the gold is subjected to light.

The scientists are also capable to producing video recordings of the nanoparticles that could help to ensure even further understanding of the process and could help improve long-term detection rates and treatment of cancerous cells.