A Study Of Adhesion And The Entry Of Magnetite Nanoparticles

We present experimental and theoretical results from a study of adhesion and the entry of magnetite nanoparticles (MNP) into MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. The adhesion between Luteinizing Hormone Releasing Hormone (LHRH) and breast cancer cells is studied using an atomic force microscopy (AFM) technique. The adhesion force between LHRH coated AFM tips and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells is shown to be about twice that between bare/uncoated AFM tips and breast cancer cells, while the adhesion force between LHRH-MNP coated AFM tips is also approximately twice as much as that between MNP coated AFM tips and breast cancer cells. The increased adhesion of the LHRH-coated tips suggests that LHRH can be used as a molecular recognition unit for†¦show more content†¦It is also the leading cause of cancer death in women aged from 20 to 59 years old [1]. These alarming statistics arise from the fact that there are limitations in both current detection and treatment methods [2-5]. Adva ncements are, therefore, needed in early detection, to increase survival rates and improve clinical outcomes [6]. In addition, localized treatments are needed to overcome the side effects that are associated with current breast cancer therapies [7]. One of the specific targeting receptors for human breast cancer cells is Luteinizing Hormone Releasing Hormone (LHRH). Approximately 52% of human breast cancers express binding sites for LHRH receptors [8]. With LHRH coated magnetite nanoparticles, studies have shown that the specific interaction between LHRH receptors and its ligands can be used for the targeting of breast cancer cells. This can be use to enhance the early detection of breast cancer and its metastasis [6, 9, 10]. Furthermore, the specific receptor-ligand interaction between LHRH and LHRH receptors can be used to facilitate the attachment of LHRH conjugated magnetite nanoparticles to breast cancer cells. This can be used as a contrast agent to enhance the magnetic resona nce imaging (MRI) of breast tumor sites and their metastases [6, 11]. Magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) have attracted a great deal of attention in recent years. Their potential applications in cancer research, including areas