Nanostars Amplify Ability to Image Cancer

Abstract

A new nanoparticle design may make cancer detection possible without the use of molecular markers of tumor cells. The star-shaped probe detected five different cancers in mouse models, according to a new study. By using nanostars to boost surface-enhanced resonance Raman scattering signals, the technique highlighted tumor margins, microscopic metastases, and even precancerous cells with high precision.