Marking Brain Tumors

Researchers have developed a way to enhance how brain tumors appear in MRI scans and during surgery, making the tumors easier for surgeons to identify and remove. Scientists at Ohio State University, USA are experimenting with different nanoparticles that they hope may one day be injected into the blood of patients and help surgeons remove lethal brain tumors known as glioblastomas. In the journal Nanotechnology, researchers reported that they have manufactured a small particle called a nanocomposite that is both magnetic and fluorescent. These nanocomposites measure less than twenty nanometers in size (a nanometer is one billionth of a meter). The magnetic nanoparticles emphasize color contrasts within MRIs, allowing doctors to see potential or existing cancerous tumors before surgery. The fluorescent nanoparticles can change the color that the tumor appears in the brain when seen under a special light. The Ohio State researchers pursued an approach which had not been attempted before. They chose to bind their fluorescent particle on top of their magnetic particle at extremely high temperatures.
Neurological surgeons could benefit from a multi-functional particle that would allow them to better see the tumor with an MRI before surgery, and then see it physically during surgery, Jessica Winter, assistant professor in chemical and biomolecular engineering and biomedical engineering at Ohio State said. Winter's study provided convincing proof that a particle with dual properties can be formed. However, these multi-functional particles can't be used for animal or human testing because the fluorescent particle, cadmium telluride, is toxic. But the multifunctional particles could become an innovative part of neurological surgery within the next five years, Winter hopes.

Original Publication:
Deng S., et al.: Interactions in fluorescent-magnetic heterodimer nanocomposites. Nanotechnology (2010) 21 (14): 145605 DOI: 10.1088/0957-4484/21/14/145605

http://researchnews.osu.edu

Authors:
Jessica Orwig

Keywords: Brain Fluorescence Imaging MRI Nanocomposites nanoparticles Ohio State University Tumor Marker

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