A new nanoparticle that can self-assemble, target and deliver thermo-chemotherapy has been developed.
Using DNA’s ability to form double-stranded molecule from two complimentary strands, scientists were able to attach one DNA strand to a gold nanorod and the other strand to a molecule that targets cancer cells.
When activated by near-infrared light, the DNA then acts as a scaffolding to deliver a chemotherapy drug directly to the targeted cells, as well as thermal ablation from the gold nanorod converting the near-infrared light to heat.
Read more at Harvard Medical School