A research team is attempting to use targeted carbon nanotubes as delivery agents for an inactive form of platinum which prompts cancer cells to convert them into a toxic anticancer agent.

Scientists from Stanford University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the University of Duisburg-Essen are attaching platinum-containing compounds to the surface of carbon nanotubes to create a new delivery system.

The platinum-IV (which is being used in the research) binds other molecules in addition to the nanotube and subsequently the tumour-targeting folic acid.

The modified nanotubes are able to attack the tumour cells where the enzymes convert platinum-IV into platinum-II which is more toxic.

As a result, the platinum is released from the nanotube and travels to the cell nucleus to react with DNA, eventually killing the cell.

According to reports from physorg.com, anticancer agents based on platinum have a history of being able to work as therapeutics but they have a short life time.

This can reduce their ability to fight cancer as the tumour develops a resistance.



Source:

Study Details How Platinum Nanocages 'Cook' Cancer Cells, 15/08/08
http://www.physorg.com/news138027803.html