They are inspired by the shape of the passion fruit but are much smaller, the glass nano-capsules measuring one millionth of a millimeter in length containing even smaller gold seeds, which constitute a new weapon in the fight against tumors: they were developed thanks to an international study published in the journal Advanced Materials and led by the Italian Institute of Technology of Pisa and University of Genoawith the participation also of the University of Pisa and the Pisan University Hospital.
The researchers, coordinated by Valerio Voliani of IIT and the University of Genoa, demonstrated its effectiveness in preclinical studies accompanying radiotherapy for head and neck tumors caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The first innovative aspect of these nanomaterials lies precisely in the shape inspired by the exotic fruit, thanks to which the gold contained inside does not persist for long in the organism: an important characteristic to avoid toxic effects. Gold, in fact, can interact with X-rays and thus help to focus the therapeutic effect of radiotherapy exclusively where it is necessary, limiting the side effects of treatments.
The authors of the study demonstrated that the use of these nano-capsules increases the effectiveness of radiotherapy. Tests for head and neck tumors have so far been conducted in preclinical studies on young patients, for whom avoiding disabling side effects is essential. The results obtained constitute a step forward towards the application of metallic nanomaterials in clinical practice, in order to offer new treatment possibilities. The researchers now aim to start clinical trials in the coming years.
