Iranian scientists build gold nanoparticles for cervical cancer treatment

Iranian researchers at Ferdowsi University, northeastern Iran have used gold nanoparticles as a perfect carrier to send hydrophobic protoporphyrin molecule into cancer cells.

The results of the study showed that conjugated nanoparticles can act as an effective candidate for cancer treatment in general and in this case for cervical cancer.

“The present research designs and synthesizes gold nanoparticles, and addresses its functions in cancer treatment. The goal of the study is to explore the effects of photodynamic therapy treatment by using gold nanoparticles combined with protoporphyrin on the life of cervical cancer cells,” said Hossein Eshghi, the author of the project and the organic chemistry professor at Ferdowsi University.

He said outcomes of the study indicated that the conjugated and synthesized gold nanoparticles can act as an effective drug carrier to send the photosensitizer into the cells to treat cancer cell in cervical.

He added that morphologic images of the cells showed that in many cases there have been cellular death.

The gold nanoparticles conjugated with protoporphyrin photosensitizer can be vastly used in medicine and treatment of diseases. They can also be used in imaging, optical coatings and solar cells.

The results of the study have been published in Photodiagnosis and photodynamic therapy Journal.