PLGA from PolySciTech used in creation of near-IR light responsive nanoparticles for cancer therapy

Near-infrared light (wavelength between 700-1000 nm, for example T.V. remote control wavelength) has the ability to penetrate through human skin. Although this wavelength, by itself, has no therapeutic effect, it has the ability to trigger specifically designed responsive nanoparticles to cause certain events in a very tightly controlled location on the human body. Recently, researchers at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology and Chonnam National University Medical School (Korea) utilized PLGA (PolyVivo AP036 and AP018) from PolySciTech (www.polyscitech.com) to create custom-fabricated nanoparticles which interact with NIR light to create heat and free-radicals. This technology holds promise for alternate cancer therapies based on sequential injection of nanoparticles and illumination of the tumor site. Read more: Thirunavukkarasu, Guru Karthikeyan, G. R. Nirmal, Hwangjae Lee, Mingyu Lee, Inkyu Park, and Jae Young Lee. "On-demand generation of heat and free radicals for dual cancer therapy using thermal initiator-and gold nanorod-embedded PLGA nanocomplexes." Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry (2018). https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1226086X18305227

“Abstract: Dual cancer therapy is an attractive strategy that can generate synergistic effects and also reduce drug-related side effects. Here, we developed multifunctional nanocomplexes capable of remote on-demand production of hyperthermia and free radicals in response to near infrared (NIR) light irradiation To this end, thermal initiator and gold nanorods were embedded in nano-sized temperature-responsive poly(lactic acid-co-glycolic acid). In vitro studies demonstrated controllable heat and radical production from the nanocomplexes with NIR and effective eradication of CT26 colon cancer cells with our nanocomplexes. Hence, our smart nanomaterial will potentially contribute precise and effective dual cancer treatment. Keywords Cancer therapy Nanomedicine Free radicals Photothermal Stimuli responsive material”