Journal of Nanomedicine & Nanotechnology

Nanoparticle transport in a tumor-like environment

Nanotechnology Congress & Expo

August 11-13, 2015 Frankfurt, Germany

Devika B Chithrani1, Mehrnoosh Neshatian1, Stephen Chung2, Darren Yohan1 and Celina Yang1

Poster-Accepted Abstracts: J Nanomed Nanotechnol

Abstract:

Recent progress in the usage of nanotechnology for biomedical research has led to the rapid development of novel materials known as ?nanoparticles? (NPs) for improved therapeutics and imaging in cancer therapy. Among other nanoparticle systems, gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are emerging as promising novel agents for cancer therapy. However, most of these studies were performed with properly oxygenated (normoxic) cells. The oxygen concentration in human tumors is highly heterogeneous, and there are many regions with very low levels of oxygen (hypoxia). We have investigated the NP uptake and transport under hypoxic conditions for the first time. Our results showed that the hypoxic cells with prolonged exposure (eighteen hours) to hypoxia had a higher NP uptake at both 6- and 24-hour NP incubation time points. No significant toxicity was introduced by NPs under hypoxic and normoxic conditions. Proper understanding of NP behavior and the therapeutic response in a tumor-like environment (hypoxic) can be used to improve the outcome of future cancer care. The biocompatibility of GNPs would accelerate the application of such innovations to clinics in the near future.