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. 2010;10(1):428-55.
doi: 10.3390/s100100428. Epub 2010 Jan 6.

Nanotechnology for early cancer detection

Young-Eun Choi  1 , Ju-Won Kwak, Joon Won Park
Affiliations

Nanotechnology for early cancer detection

Young-Eun Choi et al. Sensors (Basel). 2010.

Abstract

Vast numbers of studies and developments in the nanotechnology area have been conducted and many nanomaterials have been utilized to detect cancers at early stages. Nanomaterials have unique physical, optical and electrical properties that have proven to be very useful in sensing. Quantum dots, gold nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, gold nanowires and many other materials have been developed over the years, alongside the discovery of a wide range of biomarkers to lower the detection limit of cancer biomarkers. Proteins, antibody fragments, DNA fragments, and RNA fragments are the base of cancer biomarkers and have been used as targets in cancer detection and monitoring. It is highly anticipated that in the near future, we might be able to detect cancer at a very early stage, providing a much higher chance of treatment.

Keywords: cancer biomarkers; carbon nanotubes; gold nanoparticles; microcantilevers; nanowires; quantum dots.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Cancer cell targeting and spectroscopic detection using antibody-conjugated SERS nanoparticles. (a) Modified gold nanoparticle with Raman reporter and targeting molecule. (b) Schematic illustration of the nanoparticles targeting the cancer cells.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Functionalization of GNPs through hybridization oligonucleotides.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Aggregation of GNPs and gold nanorods in the presence of PSA, leading to DLS analysis for the immunoassay.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
GNP electrode and magnetic beads functionalized with multiple enzyme labels.
Figure 5.
Figure 5.
Schematic design of the multifunctional nanoparticle. QDs conjugated with an aptamer targets the cancer biomarker. By releasing the drug from the conjugate, both the QD and drug recovers its fluorescent property.
Figure 6.
Figure 6.
QD functionalized Si nanoparticles for signal amplification.
Figure 7.
Figure 7.
Mechanism of decrease in relaxation time due to magnetic nanoparticle aggregation.
Figure 8.
Figure 8.
MWNT functionalized with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FI) and folic acid (FA) modified amine-terminated dendrimers. FA is for targeting cancer cells that over-expresses FA receptors and FI dye for imaging.
Figure 9.
Figure 9.
SWNT forest with ECL nanoparticles as sandwich immunoassay for PSA detection.
Figure 10.
Figure 10.
Multilayered enzyme-coated CNTs as labels for chemiluminescence immunoassay.
Figure 11.
Figure 11.
Set up of CNT-FET with a linker and a spacer for the maximized sensitivity.
Figure 12.
Figure 12.
Target miRNA detection via PNA functionalized SiNW.
Figure 13.
Figure 13.
Detection of cancer biomarker through sandwich immunoassay using SiO2-NW.
Figure 14.
Figure 14.
Optical sensing of IL-10 using functionalized SiO2-NW and QD labels on a patterned Au substrate.
Figure 15.
Figure 15.
RNA detection via PNA functionalized gold nanowire (AuNW). Solution contains two redox reporter groups; Ru(NH3)63+ and Fe(CN)63–. Ru(NH3)63+ is attracted by DNA at electrode surface and through negative potential sweep, Ru(III) is reduced and regenerated by Fe(III) oxidant for multiple turnovers.
Figure 16.
Figure 16.
FET system with single Ppy nanowire as semiconducting channel to detect CA 125.
Figure 17.
Figure 17.
Microcantilever based cancer biomarker detection. Deflection of the cantilever due to antibody-antigen binding is detected by monitoring reflected laser beam.
Figure 18.
Figure 18.
Healthy cell and cancer cell differs in stiffness.
Figure 19.
Figure 19.
A Nanopore applied in antigen detection. The impedance change is monitored.
Figure 20.
Figure 20.
Nanopipette detecting IL-10 or VEGF.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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