May. 03, 2010

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. moreNov. 04, 2009

Fluorapatite-Gelatine Nanocomposites

Fluorapatite-gelatine nanocomposites serve as model system for mineralization steps of teeth and bone. The biomimetic composites show a hierarchical structural shape development starting from a hexagonal prismatic seed via dumbbell states and ending up with slightly notched spheres. This complex morphogenesis is caused by protein fibrils which are integrated into the nanocomposite superstructure. As evidenced by electron holography an intrinsic electric dipole field is generated by parallel alignment of nanocomposite subunits. more