Researchers at the National University of Singapore (NUS) develop a high-throughput approach to identify gold nanoparticles that can reach mitochondria inside cancer cells. The method tags different nanoparticle designs with unique DNA “barcodes,” allowing the researchers to track where each design goes in living tumor models. By comparing the barcoded nanoparticles after exposure to tumour cells, the team can determine which designs successfully localise to mitochondria and therefore could deliver therapy at that subcellular target. The platform is described as capable of screening dozens of nanoparticle variants simultaneously, rather than testing designs one at a time. The work is presented as a way to improve precision in selecting nanoparticle candidates for cancer treatment, focusing on delivery to mitochondria, which are described as the energy-producing organelles in cells and a relevant target for therapy. The study’s core advance is the use of DNA barcode-based tracking combined with parallel screening to rapidly pinpoint the most effective nanoparticle designs for mitochondrial targeting in living tumour systems.
NUS researchers use DNA barcodes to track gold nanoparticles targeting cancer mitochondria
Researchers at the National University of Singapore (NUS) develop a high-throughput approach to identify gold nanoparticles that can reach mitochondria inside cancer cells. The method tags different n...
- NUS researchers create a high-throughput system to screen many gold nanoparticle designs at once.
- The nanoparticles are tagged with unique DNA “barcodes” to enable tracking.
- The goal is to identify nanoparticles that reach mitochondria inside cancer cells.
- Experiments are carried out in living tumour models, not only in test-tube conditions.
- The approach allows rapid comparison of which nanoparticle designs successfully localise to mitochondria.
Researchers at the National University of Singapore (NUS) have developed a high-throughput method to identify gold nanoparticles capable of delivering therapies directly to mitochondria (the energy centers inside cancer cells). By tagging nanoparticles with unique DNA "barcodes," the team was able to track and compare dozens of designs simultaneously in living tumor models, rapidly identifying those most effective at reaching this critical subcellular target.
3 months agoA new high-throughput platform screens dozens of nanoparticle designs in living systems to identify those that reach tumour mitochondria, enabling more precise and effective cancer therapies SINGAPORE, May 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Researchers at the National University of Singapore (NUS)...
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