PLGA (copolymer of mineral acids and glycolic acids)

2023: Russian chemists develop compound that triggers self-destruction of cancer cells

In November 2023 MIPT , they announced the creation of biocompatible nanoparticles based on lactic and glycolic acids. They, according to the developers, are able to selectively penetrate breast cancer cells, illuminate and destroy them when irradiated with lasers.

As the head of the laboratory of biochemical research of carcinogenesis of MIPT Victoria Shipunova explained, a method was developed for producing nanoparticles that recognize the widely known cancer marker HER2 on the surface of cancer cells, diagnose the location of the primary tumor node and metastases in the body.

A method has been developed for producing nanoparticles that recognize the well-known cancer marker HER2 on the surface of cancer cells

They destroy these cells only where we found them and illuminated them with light with a certain wavelength, "Shipunova said.

By 2023, experts from around the world are exploring the possibility of treating cancer with nanoparticles. Nanoparticles from a copolymer of mineral acids and glycolic acids (PLGA) have already proven effective through experiments. Scientists from the Russian Federation have already developed more than 20 drugs based on these particles and are using them in practice.

PLGA nanoparticles were created at MIPT for photodynamic therapy of large breast tumors expressing HER2 receptors. The university noted that the uniqueness of the work lies in the nanoparticles themselves - they do not fluoresce until they are absorbed by the cancer cell, which facilitates real-time diagnostics, as well as in the method of obtaining them - the method of giving the nanoparticles targeted properties is unique in many respects, but especially due to its simplicity compared to those already used. The diagnostic properties of the nanoparticles were realized by loading the biocompatible Nile blue dye and the therapeutic properties by loading the Bengal pink photosensitizer.^[1]

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