Nanoparticle Characterization for Cancer Nanotechnology and Other Biological Applications

Abstract

Nanotechnology is actively being used to develop promising diagnostics and therapeutics tools for the treatment of cancer and many other diseases. The unique properties of nanomaterials offer an exciting frontier of possibilities for biomedical researchers and scientists. Because existing knowledge of macroscopic materials does not always allow for adequate prediction of the characteristics and behaviors of nanoscale materials in controlled environments, much less in biological systems, careful nanoparticle characterization should accompany biomedical applications of these materials. Informed correlations between adequately characterized nanomaterial properties and reliable biological endpoints are essential for guiding present and future researchers toward clinical nanotechnology-based solutions for cancer. Biological environments are notoriously dynamic; hence, nanoparticulate interactions within these environments will likely be comparatively diverse. For this reason, we recommend that an interactive and systematic approach to material characterization be taken when attempting to elucidate or measure biological interactions with nanoscale materials. We intend for this chapter to be a practical guide that could be used by researchers to identify key nanomaterial characteristics that require measurement for their systems and the appropriate techniques to perform those measurements. Each section includes a basic overview of each measurement and notes on how to address some of the common difficulties associated with nanomaterial characterization.

Inorganic characterizations and filler particles morphology of self-adhesive cements

“…Also, when having aggregates, it can be difficult to identify distinct fillers [34]. Conversely, the laser light scattering method averages the various dimensions as the particles flow randomly through the light beam, producing a distribution of sizes from the smallest to the largest dimensions [33]. In spite of this advantage, the range at which this method detects the filler size distribution varies from 0.3 nm to 6 mm (manufacturer's information).…”

“…Disagreements in terms of volume and shape occur when the fillers are measured using different methods [33]. It has been generally recommended to use more than one technique to measure the diameter of fillers.…”

Nanoparticle delivery for metastatic breast cancer

“…Park et al recommend that unmodified material or a nonspecific ligand control (IgG antibody) is essential for conclusive evidence [39]. Finally, methods used to characterize biodistribution are inconsistent and not standardized [30]. Differences may also be due to differences in the physiologic status of the host, the type of tumor, and location of the tumor.…”

“…The density and amount of targeting ligand conjugated onto a particle varies with particle size [30]. Investigators previously utilized a number of strategies for ligand conjugation onto nanoparticles [33,34], but have not characterized the impact of the conjugation strategy on ligand affinity or targeting.…”

“…The size, shape and surface of nanoparticles contribute significantly to the biologic activity of ligand targeted nanoparticles in vivo [30,31]. The minimum set of nanoparticle characteristics that should be measured and reported include size, morphology, state of dispersion, physical and chemical properties, surface area, and surface chemistry [32].…”