Synthetic Material Attaches to Cells to Assist in Cancer Research

Engineers at MIT's Center for Materials Science and Engineering have developed a synthetic "backpack" that may assist in delivering chemotherapy drugs, help in the diagnosis of tumors or become building blocks within the body's tissue.

The attached synthetic patch covers a tiny portion of a cell allowing the cell to continue to operate normally within the body but also enabling the cell to move materials throughout the body. Magnetic manipulation is used to control the cells' movement.

The study was completed using B and T cells, which target specific tissues such as tumors and other compromised areas. This could allow for specific drug or vaccine pipelines to develop.

Darrell Irvine, an associate professor of materials science and engineering and biological engineering said, "The idea is that we use cells as vectors to carry materials to tumors, infection sites or other tissue sites."

The tiny synthetic patches carrying chemotherapy agents could be sent directly to tumor cells to provide targeted treatment. In addition, cells with imaging agents could help to identify tumors in the body.

The patches consist of three layers. The layers attach to the cell, carry the added agents and allow the cell to continue to act normally within the body. The added nanoparticles provide magnetic movement for the cell.

Researchers hope that this process will continue to be developed with additional success in cancer treatment.

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