title: Synergistic photothermal ablative effects of functionalizing carbon nanotubes with a POSS-PCU nanocomposite polymer.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The application of nanotechnology in biology and medicine represents a significant paradigm shift in the approach to the treatment of cancer. Evidence suggests that when exposed to near-infrared radiation (NIR), carbon nanotubes (CNTs) dissipate a substantial amount of heat energy. We have developed a novel nanocomposite polymer, polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane poly (carbonate-urea) urethane (POSS-PCU). POSS-PCU displays excellent biocompatibility and has been used in making artificial organs as well as protective coatings for medical devices.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Functionalizing (or "coating") CNTs with POSS-PCU confers biocompatibility and increase the amount of heat energy generated, by enhancing dispersion. Here we demonstrate that POSS-PCU-functionalized multi-walled CNTs (MWNTs) act synergistically together when exposed to NIR to thermally ablate cancer cells.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Given that POSS-PCU has already been used in human in first-in-man studies as trachea, lacrimal duct, bypass graft and other organs, our long-term goal is to take POSS-PCU coated CNTs to clinical studies to address the treatment of cancer by optimizing its therapeutic index and increasing its specificity via antibody conjugation.
authors: Centre for Nanotechnology & Regenerative Medicine, UCL Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, University College London, London, NW3 2QG, UK.
authors: Aaron
authors: A
authors: Tan
authors: Seyed Yazdan
authors: SY
authors: Madani
authors: Jayakumar
authors: J
authors: Rajadas
authors: Giorgia
authors: G
authors: Pastorin
authors: Alexander M
authors: AM
authors: Seifalian
mesh_terms: D016923:Cell Death / Q000528:radiation effects; D019073:HT29 Cells; D006801:Humans; D007259:Infrared Rays; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D008422:Materials Testing; D053761:Nanocomposites / Q000737:chemistry*; D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon / Q000737:chemistry*; D017646:Organosilicon Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D011140:Polyurethanes / Q000737:chemistry*; D012995:Solubility
chemical_list: D037742:Nanotubes, Carbon; D017646:Organosilicon Compounds; D011140:Polyurethanes; C110029:poly(carbonate urea) urethane; C521417:polyhedraloligosilsesquioxane