The news feeds on this site are independently provided by Adfero Limited © and do not represent the views or opinions of the World Gold Council.

Wednesday, 27th May 2009 (1104 views)

Nanotechnology has the potential to enable great strides to be made in medical science, it has been suggested.

Speaking to the Daily Vangard, Portland State University chemistry professor Dr Mingdi Yan explained that the technology - in which gold is often a vital component - can further medical research.

She stated that nanocoatings could be used as a transportation method for medicines that target specific cells or tumours without causing the body to reject the drugs.

"You need a carrier that is not toxic and is compatible with the biological environment," she explained.

Dr Yan added that nanotechnology can also be utilised to improve contact lenses, as a coating could be applied that makes them "more comfortable" and reduces the risk of infection.

Such work is already being carried out at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, where a team of scientists have used nanotechnology to detect, track and eliminate cancer cells, a development that may help advance current cancer treatment methods.

 

« Back to Gold News stories