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Tuesday, 14th June 2005 (5655 views)

A new programme is being developed using gold nanoparticles to create anti-cancer vaccines.<br/><br/>Scientists working for the UK-based Midatech Group have created a system that creates immonu-stimulating nanoscale particles and has an outer shell of specific carbohydrate and peptide antigens.<br/><br/>Results have shown gold particles successfully synthesised and could help with various carcinomas including liver, colon, prostate and ovarian.<br/><br/>Items are linked covalently to gold nanoparticles cores to allow for maximum antigenicity and a higher density of the antigens can be placed on the gold nanoparticle.<br/><br/>Midatech chief operating officer, Dr David Hill, explained: "Of particular significance, is that the Ley-functionalised gold glyconanoparticles are very stable and water-soluble. <br/><br/>"In solution they are dispersed and discreet offering a highly immunogenic polyvalent system yet their microscopically minute dimensions of less than two nm means that the particles will be easily excreted by the kidneys."<br/><br/>The company hopes the technology will be useful in highly active anti-cancer vaccines in the future, with further studies already taking place to evaluate the gold glyconanoparticles.<img alt="track" src="http://directnews.dehavilland.co.uk/dn.gif?feedid=196&itemid=8744641"/>

 

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