Ukrainian scientists advance in application of nanotechnologies in biology, medicine

By Svetlana Sytina
The Ukrainian Times

Researchers of the R.E. Kavetsky Institute of Experimental Pathology, Oncology and Radiobiology, which was established in 1960, study a wide range of problems concerning causes of the genesis and progression of malignant diseases, preventive methods, treatment and rehabilitation of patients. In recent years they have achieved the striking results of fundamental and applied character, which are aimed to create new nanomaterials and develop targeted vector systems for biology and medicine.

In particular, research done by scientists of the Institute has proved the significance of iron in the tumor process that allows them to consider this microelement as a worthwhile marker and target for treatment of patients with malignant pathology. Vasily Chekhun, director of the Institute and member of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, pointed out that this research could be a matter of particular interest in the context of breast cancer because the hormonal status of woman is closely associated with marked changes in the iron content of the body.

A novel antitumor drug called Ferroplat containing nanoparticles of magnetic liquid and cis-platin was created on the basis of a research effort made by Ukrainian scientists. Preclinical trials have shown that Ferroplat surpasses the official drug Cis-platin in antitumor and antimetastatic effect, particularly in the case of resistant malignant growths.

The vector system developed by scientists of the Institute, using Ferroplat as the base, not only ensures a targeted delivery, but helps solve the problem of overcoming the natural barriers of the body to acquired resistance. For the first time, it is established that the disorder of the regulation of metal-containing proteins and endogenic iron exchange is one of the important mechanisms of evolving resistance to antitumor drugs.

Studying interaction between artificial and natural nanodimensional systems, Ukrainian scientists have succeeded in discovering the elements of the secret of the origin of life, which supplement the seemingly obsolete Oparin-Haldane theory. Specifically, there were the iron ions and magnetic field that could be the main factor and synthesis catalyst in the process of forming protein bodies.

According to Dr. Chekhun, in addition to Ferroplat, the Institute has other advanced developments that are ready for application in actual practice. Among them are antitumor vaccines, sorption and photodynamic therapies.

Today research continues at the R.E. Kavetsky Institute of Experimental Pathology, Oncology and Radiobiology. And researchers of the Institute do their possible to enhance an interface between science and practice.