I want to work on targeted delivery of magnetic nanosystem on cancer cell for hyperthermia application. From prior art search, I found that surface receptor and antibody targeted delivery are the ways to deliver nanoparticles to the cancerous cell. Can we identify cancer cells from normal cells with the help of plasma membrane pore size? Can you suggest any new way for targeted delivery of nanoparticles to cancerous cells?
Hi,
There are number of papers relating to changes in the property of plasma membrane in cancerous cells when compared to normal cell. This includes change in the lipid composition, membrane proteins and saccharides on the protein. I don't think the porosity of the plasma membrane changes. By the way pores are not formed just like that. Pores are formed only when channel proteins (membrane proteins) open.
Enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect in the tumor vasculature of cancer cells might help you to target the nanoparticles. There are number of reviews related to EPR effect and drug delivery.
Nanoparticle uptake depends on number of factors like the size, charge, cell type and ligands molecules bound to it. So it is better take a closer look on the type of cancer cell you are going to target and characterize the nanoparticles before using it. Targeting the cancer cells through surface receptors (like folic acid receptor) and antibody works better. Hope this helps you
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