Carbon nanotubes, compounded into plastic to create bulk electrodes, form the basis of a novel sensor for biological assays. The nanotubes function as both a solid phase and working electrode for generation of electrochemiluminescence, the detection method used in this system. The Figure shows a scanning electron microscopy image of a composite used for an immunoassay. The bright spots in the image are 10 nm diameter gold colloids covalently attached to antibodies. The inset shows a region of a composite with no gold colloids.

Melanoma is the most aggressive malignant skin tumor and arises from melanocytes. The resistance of melanoma cells to various treatments results in rapid tumor growth and high mortality. As a local therapeutic modality, photodynamic therapy has been successfully applied for clinical treatment of skin diseases. Photodynamic therapy is a relatively new treatment method for various types of malignant tumors in humans and, compared to conventional treatment methods, has fewer side effects, and is more accurate and non-invasive. Although several in vivo and in vitro studies have shown encouraging results regarding the potential benefits of photodynamic therapy as an adjuvant treatment for melanoma, its clinical application remains limited owing to its relative inefficiency. This review article discusses the use of photodynamic therapy in melanoma treatment as well as the latest progress made in deciphering the mechanism of tolerance. Lastly, potential targets are identified that may improve photodynamic therapy against melanoma cells.

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