Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: Zetasizer Nano critical to development of brain tumour illumination

Home > Press > Zetasizer Nano critical to development of brain tumour illumination

Abstract:
The Zetasizer Nano particle characterization system from Malvern Instruments (Malvern, UK) is proving to be an ideal research tool for advanced healthcare applications such as gene therapy and selective-target carrier molecules.

Zetasizer Nano critical to development of brain tumour illumination

Malvern, UK | Posted on December 4th, 2009

University of Washington researchers say that accurate zeta potential and particle size measurements were critical to their successful development of fluorescent, tumour-targeting iron oxide nanoparticles. Able to safely cross the blood-brain barrier and selectively illuminate brain cancer cells during a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, the innovative molecules resulting from this research are set to make brain cancer imaging much safer.

"Safe molecular penetration of the blood-brain barrier depends on a particle's size, fat content and electric charge. It wasn't until we obtained the Zetasizer Nano in 2006 that we were able to efficiently measure, monitor and optimise these properties and develop nanoparticles that deliver the desired half-life in blood but remain stable long enough to support imaging," explained Professor Miqin Zhang from the University of Washington's Department of Materials Science and Engineering.

The blood-brain barrier protects the brain from infection. Current imaging techniques require the injection of both dyes and a drug to forcefully open the barrier. Professor Zhang and her team have formulated particles approximately 33 nanometres in diameter. Three times smaller in wet conditions than anything previously formulated in the lab, these particles can naturally penetrate the blood-brain barrier without exposing the patient to the risk of infection, and represent a highly significant advance in brain cancer imaging.

The Nanoparticle Lab within the University of Washington's Department of Materials Science and Engineering focuses its research on cancer diagnosis and treatment through imaging enhancement and targeted and controlled therapeutic payload delivery. This is accomplished by use of nanoconjugates or multifunctional nanovectors. A nanoconjugate is a chemically modified nanoparticle serving as a "vehicle" that carries biomolecules to target cells. The term "nanovector" here refers to a nanosized entity that plays a functional role in the perspective of therapeutics.

The Zetasizer Nano which plays an integral part in the research work is one of a series of instruments from Malvern Instruments that delivers particle size and zeta potential monitoring capabilities at the nanometre scale. Widely used for characterizing a broad range of nanosized materials from high concentration colloids through to dilute protein solutions, the Zetasizer range supports the current trends in frontline scientific research.

####

About Malvern Instruments
Malvern Instruments provides a range of complementary materials characterization tools that deliver inter-related measurements reflecting the complexities of particulates and disperse systems, nanomaterials and macromolecules. Analytical instruments from Malvern are used in the characterization of a wide variety of materials, from industrial bulk powders to nanomaterials and delicate macromolecules. A broad portfolio of innovative technologies is combined with intelligent, user-friendly software. These systems deliver industrially relevant data enabling our customers to make the connection between micro (such as particle size) and macro (bulk) material properties (rheology) and chemical composition (chemical imaging).

Particle size, particle shape, zeta potential, molecular weight, chemical composition and rheological properties measurements are now joined by advanced chromatography solutions (GPC/SEC), extending Malvern’s technologies for protein molecular weight, size and aggregation measurements, and synthetic polymer molecular weight and distribution. The company’s laboratory, at-line, on-line and in-line solutions are proven in sectors as diverse as cement production and pharmaceutical drug discovery.

Headquartered in Malvern, UK, Malvern Instruments has subsidiary organizations in all major European markets, North America, China, Korea and Japan, a joint venture in India, a global distributor network and applications laboratories around the world.

For more information, please click here

Contacts:
For press information, please contact:

Trish Appleton
Kapler Communications
Knowledge Centre
Wyboston Lakes
Great North Road
Wyboston
Bedfordshire
MK44 3BY
UK
Tel: +44 (0)1480 479280
Fax: +44 (0)1480 470343

USA contact:

Marisa Fraser
Malvern Instruments Inc.
117 Flanders Road
Westborough
MA 01581-1042
USA
Tel: +1 508 768 6400
Fax: +1 508 768 6403

Please send sales enquiries to:

Alison Vines
Malvern Instruments Ltd
Enigma Business Park
Grovewood Road
Malvern
Worcestershire
WR14 1XZ
UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1684 892456
Fax: +44 (0) 1684 892789