Gold-plated iron nanoparticles for the targeted delivery of platinum anticancer drugs using magnetic fields

Platinum-based drugs are one of the main families of chemotherapeutics. Whilst these drugs are useful in treating a large number of cancers, they are limited by severe side-effects. These side- effects arise from the indiscriminate attack of these drugs on all cells, both normal and cancerous. In this project we wish to develop a novel delivery vehicle for platinum drugs to completely remove the side-effects. This will involve the creation of iron nanoparticles that can be moved and directed in the body using magnetic fields. If successful, this project has the potential to increase both the likelihood of cancer treatment success as well as providing better quality of life to patients undergoing chemotherapy by removing all side-effects of platinum drugs.