| Nanostructures, mostly Single Wall Carbon Nanotube (SWCNT) and gold nanoparticle (AuNP), have long been believed to be highly suitable for the next generation of cancer research. Due to their capabilities to detect, image and even destruct cancer cells in highly integrated manner, research has focused on the integration of all these functionalities. These nanostructures also possess high sensitivity and selectivity, making them favorable for both in vivo and in vitro applications. However, because of the difficulties to manipulate, control and characterize these nanometer structures, they have not been used widely and practically.;In the study, SWCNT field effect transistor (FET) was also fabricated by micro and macro manipulation techniques of SWCNT. Such transistors were proved to be highly sensitive and could detect down to individual cancer cell.;AuNP was used to image and detect the cancer cells by employing the surface plasma resonance effect of gold colloids as well. Similar technique was applied to SWCNT to achieve the cancer cell killing by shining Near Infrared (NIR) laser and locally heating the SWCNT to cause specific cell destruction. Experiments with control groups showed that these nanostructures are highly favorable for cancer cell imaging and destruction. |
