Nanoparticle for in vivo tumor targeting and detection.
Dr. Shuming Nie and his team have developed biocompatible and nontoxic nanoparticles for in vivo tumor targeting and detection based on pegylated gold particles and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). These SERS nanoparticles are significantly brighter than semiconductor quantum dots with light emission in the near infrared spectrum. Nanoparticles in this size range (~70 nm) are advantageous compared to more traditional technology because the large surface area of the particle allows for conjugation of multiple diagnostic (e.g., optical, radioisotopic, or magnetic) and therapeutic agents.