Nano technologies -
Method for Measuring Metal Nanoparticles in Tissue
Introduction
Nanoparticles are viewed as the next
platform for innovative medical interventions, including
medical diagnosis, disease monitoring, and treatment.
Current methods have shown particular promise with regards
to diagnostic·targeted identification of tumor
cells·and therapeutic·as vehicles for
thermal ablative treatment of tumors·applications.
These approaches largely rely on the presence of a qualitative
threshold of nanoparticles at the treatment site for
reliable diagnostic or therapeutic effect.
Current quantitiative methods require
prior knowledge of tumor location and invasive access
by a catheter or tissue sampling for nuclear activation
analysis, where the beta-decay of the gold particles
is used to measure metal concentration in the tissue.
Having non-invasive methods available to visualize and
measure the concentration of particles can lead to better
diagnosis and a quantitative basis for treatment decisions.
Invention Description
Researchers at the University of Texas
at Austin have developed a non-invasive method for visualizing
and measuring metal nanoparticle concentrations in bulk
tissues. Prior knowledge of tumor location is not necessary.
These methods allows imaging coupled with rapid quantitation
of particles that makes this method of particular use
for pharmacokinetic, biodistribution, and other longitudinal
diagnostic studies.
Further, in treatments involving metal
nanoparticles, the amount of thermal energy transferred
to the tissue is directly proportional to the concentration
of the nanoparticles. Application of too much thermal
energy can lead to undue collateral tissue damage. The
non-invasive nature of this approach makes it an attractive
option for pre-treatment diagnosis and post-treatment
monitoring, allowing a numerical basis for treatment
decision making.
Development Stage
Lab/bench prototype complete.
IP Status
One U.S. Patent Application Filed
UT Researcher
James W. Tunnell, Ph.D., Department
of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at
Austin
