That electron loss puts charged nanoparticles in the mix, and those can react with
other nanoparticles in ways that favor more of the same.
Other nanoparticles in development could be injected to rev up the immune system's ability to attack malignant cells.
He describes that it works by coating each nanoparticle, not with single DNA strands, but with a DNA hairpin that can be opened or closed by adding additional short DNA strands to the solution, thus changing the configuration
of other nanoparticles with which it will bind.
He says there are still
many other nanoparticles to evaluate, however, including flecks of silver and other metals as well as buckyballs» carbon cousins, nanotubes, which are likely to behave in other ways.
Although this method was developed with upconversion nanoparticles, the researchers believe their new «direct - doping» approach can be generalised to
other nanoparticles with interesting photonic, electronic and magnetic properties.
Further discoveries and patents led to WGM biosensors capable of gauging the mass of viruses, proteins and
other nanoparticles by sending them into spacecraft - like orbit around the micro-bead, thanks to a photonic «tractor beam» caused by the resonating light.
The result, to appear in an upcoming issue of Environmental Science & Technology, sets a baseline, he says, against which researchers can compare the effects
of other nanoparticles.
Getting back to the Franco - German SolNanoTox project, scientists do not know what happens when the cells in your intestines, liver, etc. encounter metallic or
other nanoparticles, some of which may be naturally occurring.