Tumour metastasis is blocked by nanodiamonds
Source: Drug Target Review, December 2023
Dr Rajiv Saxena and Dr Sushreesangita Behera from the Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, South Asian University, New Delhi and Dr Witty Tyagi, from the Molecular Oncology Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi, have investigated whether nanodiamonds could stop tumour metastasis.
Nanodiamonds, two to eight nanometre carbon nanoparticles, can be easily functionalised with numerous chemical groups, such as carboxylic groups or drugs. Prior research has demonstrated that actively dividing cells have an increased likelihood of absorbing nanodiamonds. Also, research has shown that epithelial cells treated with carboxylic nanodiamonds lose their ability to travel across cell permeable cellulose membranes.
Tumour metastasis is a process requiring cell migration. In the new study, to investigate the effect of nanodiamonds on cancerous cells, the scientists treated B16F10 melanoma cells with carboxylic nanodiamonds in culture. They then tested their ability to move across and invade polycarbonate membranes with eight-micrometre pores.