NIST and NCI Issue Gold Standards for Nanoparticles

A cooperative effort between the The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory (NCL) of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) has yielded the first reference standards for nanoscale particles used by scientists conducting biomedical research.

Nanoparticles have played a major role in many cancer research projects in recent years — including studies on toxicity, cancer diagnostic tools and targeted drug treatments — yet no reliable measurement standards were in place to ensure the consistency of the nanoparticles being used during the research process.

To help solve the problem, the NIST and NCI worked together to develop standardized gold spheres measuring 10, 30, and 60 nanometers in diameter. Each gold particle is precisely measured using six independent methods including atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. In addition to being measured, the particles are chemically analyzed then sterilized with gamma radiation and tested for endotoxins.

As the institutes report, having an established measurement standard for biotech nanoparticles will make it easier for scientists involved in different studies to analyze, compare and share data regarding particle performance.

If you’re a researcher who’d like to obtain standardized nanoparticles, they can be ordered through the NIST’s Standard Reference Materials Order Request System.

Source: NIST Tech Beat

Tags: chemotherapy; oncology; nanomedicine; microfluidics

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Published by Lisa on Wednesday 16 January 2008 at 8:19 am - permalink
Filed under General Cancer Info, Government, Podcasts, Products, Programs and Initiatives, Technology

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NIST and NCI Issue Gold Standards for Nanoparticles

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