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Tuesday, May 22nd, 2012

Nanomedicine: Quantum Dots Appear Safe in Pioneering Study on Primates

Author:    
Source:     Physorg.com
Publication Date:     20-May-12
 Link: Nanomedicine: Quantum Dots Appear Safe in Pioneering Study on Primates
Stephan:   This emerging technology has both great promise and a great shadow. Either way it is coming; it is up to us to decide how it will be used -- to heal or to monitor and surveil. The toxicity question is also unclear as this report describes. The growing trend is to manipulate life forms at the most foundational level possible. In addition to its specifics this report also illustrates the growing dichotomy in healthcare. A very high end of dazzling sophistication; and, a great base of individuals who have little or no healthcare at all. SOURCE: Nature Nanotechnology search and more info website

A pioneering study to gauge the toxicity of quantum dots in primates has found the tiny crystals to be safe over a one-year period, a hopeful outcome for doctors and scientists seeking new ways to battle diseases like cancer through nanomedicine.

The research, which will appear on May 20 in Nature Nanotechnology online, is likely the first to test the safety of quantum dots in primates.

In the study, scientists found that four rhesus monkeys injected with cadmium-selenide quantum dots remained in normal health over 90 days. Blood and biochemical markers stayed in typical ranges, and major organs developed no abnormalities. The animals didn’t lose weight.

Two monkeys observed for an additional year also showed no signs of illness.

Quantum dots are tiny luminescent crystals that glow brightly in different colors. Medical researchers are eyeing the crystals for use in image-guided surgery, light-activated therapies and sensitive diagnostic tests. Cadmium selenide quantum dots are among the most studied, with potential applications not only in medicine, but as components of solar cells, quantum computers, light-emitting diodes and more.

The new toxicity study — completed by the University at Buffalo, the Chinese PLA General Hospital, China’s ChangChun University of Science and Technology, and Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University — […]

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