Nano-carriers for alpha radionuclide therapy
Themes: Life Science & Health, Chemistry, bio- & process technology
Late lab scale demonstration
A TRL is a measure to indicate the matureness of a developing technology. When an innovative idea is discovered it is often not directly suitable for application. Usually such novel idea is subjected to further experimentation, testing and prototyping before it can be implemented. The image below shows how to read TRL’s to categorise the innovative ideas.
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Why?
The recoil of their decay enables nuclides used in alpha radionuclide therapy to escape the targeted area and damage healthy tissue. Nano-carriers can retain the recoil to the targeted area.
How?
Block polymer based nano-carriers (polymersomes) are loaded with the alpha emitter 225Ac. The emitter is precipitated inside the nano-carrier into nanometric particles.
When?
The technology has been proven effective in in vitro experiments on 3D spheroidal tumours. To further this technology, in vivo studies are now necessary.
Dr. ir. Antonia Denkova