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Revolutionary nanoparticles: precise cancer diagnostics through light control!
The University of Halle is researching innovative nanoparticles for cancer diagnostics using laser applications; promising results in 2025.
Revolutionary nanoparticles: precise cancer diagnostics through light control!
With the development of Single Chain Nanoparticles (SCNP) A significant advance in the field of nanomedicine is achieved from individually folded polymer chains. These new nanoparticles combine innovative materials and technologies to significantly improve their application in medical diagnostics and therapy. At the core of this research is the plastic polypyrrole, which absorbs light in the near infrared range and converts it into heat.
A central aspect of this technology is the strong heating and structural changes of the nanoparticles under laser irradiation. During the investigation it was shown that the nanoparticles aggregate into spherical structures with a diameter of only a few nanometers. The targeted concentration of these particles at specific locations in the body opens up new possibilities, particularly in cancer therapy.
Thermoresponsiveness and efficiency
The SCNPs are thermoresponsive to temperature changes, meaning they are able to adjust their structure based on the ambient temperature. A specific molecular design enables efficient conversion of light into heat. Laboratory tests show that even weak laser beams and a small number of these nanoparticles can generate temperatures of up to 85 degrees Celsius, which is of great importance for medical applications.
This rapid heating of the tissue leads to the release of sound waves that are responsible for the photoacoustic imaging can be used. This makes it possible to create more precise 3D models of the body, which is particularly advantageous in cancer diagnostics. The increased visibility of tumors and their responses to therapies could lead to significant advances in modern cancer treatment.
Future applications
The research is not only aimed at improving diagnostics. Future uses of the nanoparticles could include targeted drug delivery and activation by light and heat. In particular, the potential to use heat to kill cancer cells using light control is being investigated. However, the therapeutic potential of these nanoparticles remains to be explored, with extensive studies needed to test efficacy and safety in various applications.
The basis for this groundbreaking development was funded by the German Research Foundation, and the results were published in the publication by Thümmler et al. in Communications Chemistry published.
In addition, state-of-the-art transfer systems that enable targeted transport of active ingredients in the body are used. Such systems, including liposomes and polymer-based microparticles, improve the effectiveness, safety and targeted delivery of drugs. They help reduce side effects and maximize the concentration of drugs in diseased tissues by minimizing absorption into healthy tissues, such as Fraunhofer IAP describes.