Gold Nanoparticles Can Melt Fat
- 10 years ago
Gold nanoparticles are being studied as a way to kill cancer cells, but don’t be surprised if they show up in the world of cosmetic surgery, too.
Gold nanoparticles are being studied as a way to kill cancer cells, but don’t be surprised if they show up in the world of cosmetic surgery, too.
It turns out, the nanoparticles are capable of melting fat, and a new startup company is looking into turning that use into a business.
Their plan thus far is to inject them into an unwanted bulge, heat them up with a laser, and let the bits go to work at breaking down fatty deposits.
Once the excess is liquefied, it can be easily sucked out.
That’s a far cry from current procedures in which the fat cells have to be broken up with a long, sharp needle before being removed.
Unfortunately, nerves and connective tissue that get in the way end up being taken out as well.
The founder of the melting procedure reasoned that if the nanoparticles can melt tumors, then surely they could do the same with fat.
Also, as fat melts at lower temperatures than other tissue, there would be less collateral damage.
Thus far they’ve only tested the new, gentler procedure on animals, but their results are looking promising.
The team hopes to move to human trials later in the year.
Gold nanoparticles are being studied as a way to kill cancer cells, but don’t be surprised if they show up in the world of cosmetic surgery, too.
It turns out, the nanoparticles are capable of melting fat, and a new startup company is looking into turning that use into a business.
Their plan thus far is to inject them into an unwanted bulge, heat them up with a laser, and let the bits go to work at breaking down fatty deposits.
Once the excess is liquefied, it can be easily sucked out.
That’s a far cry from current procedures in which the fat cells have to be broken up with a long, sharp needle before being removed.
Unfortunately, nerves and connective tissue that get in the way end up being taken out as well.
The founder of the melting procedure reasoned that if the nanoparticles can melt tumors, then surely they could do the same with fat.
Also, as fat melts at lower temperatures than other tissue, there would be less collateral damage.
Thus far they’ve only tested the new, gentler procedure on animals, but their results are looking promising.
The team hopes to move to human trials later in the year.