The synthesis and testing of anti-cancer therapeutic nanodevices

Nanotechnology provides the sized materials that can be synthesized and function in the same general size range and Biologic structures. We have attempted to develop forms of anticancer therapeutics based on nanomaterials. Our project seeks to develop dendritic polymer nanodevices that serve as a means for the detection of cancer cells, the identification of cancer signatures, and the targeted delivery of anti-cancer therapeutics (cis-platin, methotrexate, and taxol) and contrast agents to tumor cells. Initial studies documented the synthesis and function of a targeting module, several drug delivery components, and two imaging/contrast agents. Analytical techniques have been developed and used to confirm the structure of the device. Progress has been made on the specifically triggered release of the therapeutic agent within a tumor using high-energy lasers. The work to date has demonstrated the feasibility of the nano-device concept in actual cancer cells in vitro.