Nanotechnology for early cancer detection.
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.
Department of Chemistry, National Core Research Center for Systems Bio-Dynamics, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang 790-784, Korea. luvangel@postech.ac.kr
Young-Eun
YE
Choi
Ju-Won
JW
Kwak
Joon Won
JW
Park
D000818:Animals; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000032:analysis*; D003287:Contrast Media; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D050997:Nanomedicine / Q000379:methods*; D053758:Nanoparticles; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D045663:Quantum Dots; D020349:Surface Plasmon Resonance / Q000379:methods*
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D003287:Contrast Media