B. Devika Chithrani
Ryerson University, Canada
Title: Applications of Smart Nanomaterials in Cancer Therapy
Biography
Biography: B. Devika Chithrani
Abstract
Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) in particular have been extensively used in cancer research due to their ability to act as an anti-cancer drug carrier and as a dose enhancer. Our previous studies in vitro at monolayer cell level have shown that NPs of size 50 nm shows the highest uptake among the size range 14 - 100 nm. However, recent studies on NP transport through tissue-like structures showed that smaller NPs (14 nm) penetrates better through the tissue compared to larger (50 nm) NPs. Hence, we modified the surface of smaller NPs using a peptide containing integrin binding domain (RGD) to enhance the uptake of smaller NPs. We have shown that peptide modified NPs had a higher uptake leading to enhancement in radiation dose and improved drug delivery. This would lead to more effective combined treatment for therapy resistant aggressive cancers. Hence, it is possible to innovate smart nanomaterials for improved outcome in future cancer care.