Nanotech

I've written several times about nanotechnology and its use in cancer research, and I found another interesting piece about it just this past week. It appeared in the most recent issue of Bostonia, the Boston University alumni magazine, and it's about a BU prof who is doing work in nanotechnology.

Nanotechnology involves using the tiniest of particles to either deliver a treatment, or to serve as the treatment itself. (I wrote once, for example, about doctors using gold nanoparticles that could be heated up to kill cancer cells.) The tiny particles can go places where some molecules can't, delivering their payload directly to the place they need to be.

This particular article is called "Small Wonders," and features the research of Dr. Tyrone Porter, a professor of mechanical engineering (which I think is really cool -- someone other than a Medical Doctor, bringing a different perspective to the cancer puzzle). Dr. Porter is developing nanoparticles that deliver chemo drugs directly to the tumor, by taking advantage of the tumor's structure. As it grows, the tumor's blood vessels grow as well -- so quickly that they develop small openings in them. The nanoparticles are designed to slip into these tiny openings , allowing them to get right to the tumor. The nanoparticles are then manipulated by changing their temperature just slightly, or by changing their pH level, which will be signals to release the chemo. Very cool stuff.

The article also includes a video of Dr. Porter explaining all of this, though the written article also does a nice job of explaining it all.

The issue also has a story on BU alum Garrett Oliver, brewmaster for the Brooklyn Brewery, which makes some really, really great beer, if you're interested in that.

Exciting stuff. (Both the beer and the nanotechnology.)