Fluorescent-based tool reveals how medical nanoparticles biodegrade in real time

A unique, noninvasive method measures the disassembly of biodegradable nanoparticles that can be used to deliver medicines to patients. The technique is a necessary stop in translating nanoparticles into clinical use. "Nanoparticles could be formulated with contrast agents for diagnostic imaging, or could deliver anticancer drugs to a tumor," one researcher said. "Our measuring tool can help researchers to develop and optimize their nanomedicine formulations for a range of medical uses."