Journey Through the Mind’s Maze: Nanoparticles Targeting Brain Cancer

Journey Through the Mind’s Maze: Nanoparticles Targeting Brain Cancer

Collections: Now On Display, Image Award Winners

2024 Award Winner

Andrew Pickering, Paula Hammond

Koch Institute at MIT, MIT Department of Chemical Engineering

To combat neurological diseases such as brain cancer, therapeutics must traverse a complex network of more than 100 billion densely packed cells.

Hammond Lab researchers are developing nanoparticle drug carriers that navigate minute intercellular gaps and selectively target cancer cells. This approach minimizes contact with healthy cells and reduces unwanted side effects.

Brain cell nuclei appear in blue and the cytoplasm of astrocytes—the most prevalent brain cell type—in cyan. Striking oranges and reds illustrate the nanoparticles' journey as they disperse from the infusion point, seeking cancer cells. 

cloudy swirls of black, red, and yellow, overlaid with blots of royal blue a network of delicate cyan strands

Video

Andrew Pickering shares the story behind his image. You can also watch his presentation from the exhibition opening here.

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