Nano ‘junk’ could save lives

Nuisance particles loathed by manufacturers have found an innovative new purpose delivering life-changing drugs straight to cancerous tumours and diseased tissues.

Scientists at the Heart Research Institute in Sydney have developed a simple, cheap and efficient way to collect nanoparticles that can be used in the treatment of cancer, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s.

The work, published in the international journal Communications Physics, paves the way for exciting new therapies using a material previously seen as an undesirable by-product of manufacturing.

“Until now plasma dust nanoparticles have been viewed as a nuisance by-product in technological applications which rely on plasma reactors,” explains lead researcher and HRI physicist Dr Miguel Santos.

Nanomedicine is a rapidly emerging research field aimed at enhancing specific targeting, accumulation and controlled release of therapeutics, whilst minimising effects on healthy tissue. But translation into clinical practice has been limited by the complexity and costs associated with development of safe, efficient and multifunctional nanomaterials, Dr Santos says.

“Plasma dust is nano and micro-sized particles that are formed in reactive plasmas, often contaminating samples and reducing process efficiency and yield,” he says.