New Process Replaces Toxic Substances to Make Nanomaterials

(Photos8.com)

A study by a University of Missouri research team in Columbia has found a method that could replace nearly all of the toxic chemicals required to make gold nanoparticles. The ingredient to replace these toxic substances can be found in nearly every kitchen’s spice cabinet: cinnamon. And the researchers found their discovery could help in the detection of cancer cells.

Professor of radiology and physics Kattesh Katti led the team. Katti is also senior research scientist at the university’s research reactor and director of its Cancer Nanotechnology Platform. In addition, Katti is co-founder of Nanoparticle Biochem Inc., a biotechnology company that applies nanotechnology to imaging and therapy products.

Gold nanoparticles — 1 nanometer equals 1 billionth of a meter — are used increasingly in electronics, health care products, and as pharmaceuticals to fight cancer. The process to make the nanoparticles, however, requires dangerous toxic chemicals. Researchers including Katti have been worried about the environmental impact of this rapid global expansion of nanotechnology.

The usual method of creating gold nanoparticles requires harmful chemicals and acids that are not environmentally safe and contain toxic impurities. In the Missouri study, the researchers mixed gold salts with cinnamon and stirred the mixture in water to synthesize gold nanoparticles. This new process uses no electricity nor toxic agents.

During the study, published online in the journal Pharmaceutical Research, the researchers found that active chemicals in cinnamon are released when the nanoparticles are created. The simulated cinnamon/gold chemicals, called phytochemicals, entered cancer cells in mice and helped emit detectable photoacoustic signals. The study concluded that these non-toxic phytochemicals can serve as contrast enhancement agents in optical-computed-tomography (CT) systems used to detect cancer cells.

*     *     *