USE OF LOW IRON OXIDE IRON-DOPED TITANIUM DIOXIDE NANOPARTICLES IN THE TREATMENT OF TUMORS AND OTHER DISEASES

Abstract

A kit for electrocatalytically treating a target tissue is provided, the kit comprising: substantially iron oxide free iron-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles; a voltage generator; and at least one electrode pair consisting of an anode and a cathode, the electrode pair for electrical communication with the voltage generator. A use of the kit is also provided.

Claims

1. A kit for electrocatalytically treating a target tissue, the kit comprising: nanoparticles selected from the group consisting of nitrogen-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles, copper-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles, chromium-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles, manganese-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles, cobalt-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles, nickel-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles and substantially iron oxide free titanium dioxide nanoparticles; a voltage generator; and at least one electrode pair consisting of an anode and a cathode, the electrode pair for electrical communication with the voltage generator.

2. The kit of claim 1, wherein the nanoparticles are selected from the group consisting of copper-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles, chromium-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles, manganese-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles, cobalt-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles, nickel-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles and substantially iron oxide free titanium dioxide nanoparticles.

3. The kit of claim 2, wherein the voltage generator is configured to provide a voltage of about 3 volts to about 40 volts.

4. The kit of claim 2, wherein the voltage generator is configured to produce an amperage of about 1 to about 4 milliamps.

5. The kit of claim 4, wherein the anode and cathode are ear clips.

6. The kit of claim 4, wherein the anode and the cathode are electrode pads.

7. The kit of claim 6, further comprising an electrode gel.

8. The kit of claim 7, wherein there are a plurality of electrode pairs.

9. The kit of claim 8, further comprising a potable liquid, an edible gel or an edible cream that includes the nanoparticles.

10. The kit of claim 8, further comprising a diluent that includes the nanoparticles.

11. (canceled)

12. A use of the kit of claim 1 on a patient in need thereof.

13. A use of the kit of claim 2 on a patient in need thereof.

14. (canceled)

15. (canceled)

Description

FIGURES

[0023] FIG. 1 is a schematic of the kit of the present technology.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a schematic of the method of the present technology.

DESCRIPTION

[0025] Except as otherwise expressly provided, the following rules of interpretation apply to this specification: (a) all words used herein shall be construed to be of such gender or number (singular or plural) as the circumstances require; (b) the singular terms “a”, “an”, and “the”, as used in the specification and the appended claims include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise; (c) the antecedent term “about” applied to a recited range or value denotes an approximation within the deviation in the range or value known or expected in the art from the measurements method; (d) the words “herein”, “hereby”, “hereof”, “hereto”, “hereinbefore”, and “hereinafter”, and words of similar import, refer to this specification in its entirety and not to any particular paragraph, claim or other subdivision, unless otherwise specified; (e) descriptive headings are for convenience only and shall not control or affect the meaning or construction of any part of the specification; and (f) “or” and “any” are not exclusive and “include” and “including” are not limiting. Further, the terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted.

[0026] Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. Where a specific range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range, is included therein. All smaller sub ranges are also included. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges are also included therein, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range.

[0027] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the relevant art. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used, the acceptable methods and materials are now described.

Definitions

[0028] Thin film—in the context of the present technology, a thin film is up to 5 microns in thickness. A film may be a partial coating, a deposit upon a surface, a complete coating or a plurality of layers. To be clear, gaps may occur where the surface below is exposed. It may be formed by, for example, but not limited to growing nanocrystals on the substrate, physical vapour deposition on the substrate or photolithography on the substrate.

[0029] Iron-doped titanium dioxide with a low iron oxide surface—in the context of the present technology, iron-doped titanium dioxide with a low iron oxide surface has about 0.1 atomic % iron to about 2.0 atomic % iron, preferably 0.25 atomic % iron to about 0.75 atomic % iron, and more preferably 0.5 atomic % iron and very small amounts of iron oxide on its surface (less than 5% of the surface being iron oxide) when viewed with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

[0030] Substantially iron oxide free surface—in the context of the present technology, a substantially iron oxide free surface has an iron oxide content corresponding to less than about 0.001% atomic iron (less than 0.5% of the surface being iron oxide) when viewed with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The catalysts were prepared by the sol-gel method using titanium isopropoxide (TTIP) as the precursor and ferric nitrate (Fe(NO.sub.3)3.9H.sub.2O) as the iron source. Firstly, the desired amount of ferric nitrate (0.25, 0.5, 1, 5 and 10 molar %) was dissolved in water and then the solution was added to 30 mL of anhydrous ethyl alcohol and stirred for 10 minutes. The acidity of the solution was adjusted to about pH 3 (about pH 2.5 to about pH 3.5) using HNO3(other acids could also be used), which produces better Fe doped TiO.sub.2, i.e., incorporation of Fe into the TiO.sub.2 nanocrystals. Secondly, TTIP was added dropwise to the solution. Then deionized water with the ratio of Ti:H.sub.2O (1:4) was added to the mixture.

[0032] The solution was stirred for two hours and then dried at 80° C. for two hours.

[0033] The powders were then washed three times with deionized water. Next, the powder was calcined at 400° C. for three hours. To compare the influence of acid washing on the photocatalytic performance of the calcined powder, a portion of it was stirred in an HCl solution (acid washed) and then washed with deionized water three times. The acid washing was in a solution of about pH 2.5 to about pH 3.5, or about pH 4, with, preferably, a monoprotic acid, such as, for example, but not limited to acetic acid (CH.sub.3CO.sub.2H or HOAc), hydrochloric acid (HCl), hydroiodic acid (HI), hydrobromic acid (HBr), perchloric acid (HClO.sub.4), nitric acid (HNO.sub.3) or sulfuric acid (H.sub.2SO.sub.4), with HCl being the preferred.

[0034] A second method of preparing the low iron oxide, iron-doped titanium dioxide functionalized fiberglass or sintered glass is as follows:

[0035] The low iron oxide, iron-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles were prepared by the sol-gel method using titanium isopropoxide (TTIP) as the precursor and ferric nitrate (Fe(NO.sub.3)3.9H.sub.2O) as the iron source. Firstly, the desired amount of ferric nitrate (0.25, 0.5, 1, 5 and 10 molar %) was dissolved in water and then the solution was added to 30 mL of anhydrous ethyl alcohol and stirred for 10 minutes. The acidity of the solution was adjusted to about pH 3 (about pH 2.5 to about pH 3.5) using HNO.sub.3 (other acids could also be used), which produces better Fe doped TiO.sub.2, i.e., incorporation of Fe into the TiO.sub.2 nanoparticles. Secondly, TTIP was added dropwise to the solution. Then deionized water with the ratio of Ti:H.sub.2O (1:4) was added to the mixture. The solution was stirred for two hours and then dried at 80° C. for two hours.

[0036] The powders were then washed three times with deionized water. Next, the powder was calcined at 400° C. for three hours. The calcined powder was stirred in an HCl solution (acid washed) and then washed with deionized water three times. The acid washing was in a solution of about pH 2.5 to about pH 3.5, or about pH 4, with, preferably, a monoprotic acid, such as, for example, but not limited to acetic acid (CH.sub.3CO.sub.2H or HOAc), hydrochloric acid (HCl), hydroiodic acid (HI), hydrobromic acid (HBr), perchloric acid (HClO.sub.4), nitric acid (HNO.sub.3) or sulfuric acid (H.sub.2SO.sub.4), with HCl being the preferred. The acid washing produced low iron oxide, iron-doped titanium dioxide.

[0037] Regardless of the method of producing the low iron oxide, iron-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles, the acid washing was shown to remove a significant amount of iron oxide from the surface of the nanoparticles. The acid-washed iron-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles function as electrocatalysts.

[0038] A kit, generally referred to as 10 is shown in FIG. 1. The kit 10 includes a voltage generator 12 which provides electricity to two electrodes, an anode 14 and a cathode 16, which in one embodiment are ear clips, generally referred to as 18. The voltage generator 12 is connected to the ear clips 18 with lead wires 20. The lead wires 20 are releasably attached to the voltage generator 12 in order to allow for other electrodes to be employed as described below. The device 10 includes an ON/OFF switch 22, and a dial 24 that controls the voltage output. A power cord 26 includes a plug 28 for plugging the device 10 into an outlet. A voltmeter 30 on the front 32 of the device shows the voltage being applied. A tube 30 of electrode gel, such as Spectra® 360, is provided in the kit 10. A jar 32 of low iron oxide, iron-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles is also provided in the kit 10. In one embodiment, the low iron oxide, iron-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles have surfaces that are substantially iron oxide-free. In one embodiment, the low iron oxide, iron-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles are provided in a potable liquid or edible gel or edible cream and the like.

[0039] In the use of the kit, a person ingests a source of low iron oxide, iron-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles. The source may be for example, but not limited to, a food thickened with the low iron oxide, iron-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles or a drink that includes the low iron oxide, iron-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles. The nanoparticles pass through the intestine into the blood where they are transported to high metabolic areas of the body such as diseased areas or tumors. The nanoparticles easily pass through the blood brain barrier. The ear clips are clipped on the person's ears, one per ear. The device is turned on, the voltage is set and current flows to the anode, through the person's brain, to the cathode, intercepting the low iron oxide, iron-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles. The voltage ranges between about 3 volts to about 40 volts, with 20 volts being preferred and the amperage is about 1 to about 4 milliamps. FIG. 2 shows how the method is effected.

[0040] In another embodiment, in the use of the kit, the person is injected with a source of low iron oxide, iron-doped titanium nanoparticles. The source may be saline or sterile water or other acceptable diluent with the low iron oxide, iron-doped titanium nanoparticles. In another embodiment, the anode 14 and the cathode 16 are electrode pads generally referred to as 118. The electrode pads 118 either include an electrode gel surface 120 or a tube 130 of electrode gel is provided. The electrode pads 118 are placed on the person's head such that the current passes through the tumor, hence one is on one side and the other is on the other, or one is on the front and the other is on the back.

[0041] In another embodiment, there are at least two anodes 114, 214 and at least two cathodes 116, 216. The anodes 114, 214 and the cathodes 116, 216 are electrode pads, generally referred to as 118. The electrode pads 118 either include an electrode gel surface 120 or a tube 130 of electrode gel is provided. The anode 114 and the cathode 116 of the first electrode pair are aligned such that the current passes through the tumor in one direction while the anode 214 and the cathode 216 of the second electrode pair are aligned such that the current passes through the tumor in a second direction. The anodes 114, 214 and cathodes 116, 216 can be attached to any part of the person's body for treatment of a tumor. The tumor may be ablated, eliminated or reduced in size.

[0042] The combination of strategic placement of the electrode pairs on the patient and the selective accumulation of the nanoparticles in tissues with high metabolic activity allow for directed, focused, non-invasive treatment of the target tissues. The in situ production of hydroxyl radicals leads to the ablation, elimination or reduction in size of the target tissue.

[0043] In another embodiment, colloidal carriers such as micelles, liposomes, and emulsions are used to increase the concentrations of the low iron oxide, iron-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles in target tissue. The micelles and liposomes also control the release rate in the target tissue.

[0044] In yet another embodiment, targeting molecules are used to increase the concentrations of the low iron oxide, iron-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles in target tissue.

[0045] In yet another embodiment, titanium dioxide nanoparticles (band gap energy of at least 3.2 electron volts) are used. The titanium dioxide nanoparticles are delivered to the patient either by ingestion or injection. The ear clips are clipped on the person's ears, one per ear. The device is turned on, the voltage is set and current flows to the anode, through the person's brain, to the cathode, intercepting the titanium dioxide nanoparticles. The voltage ranges between about 3 volts to about 40 volts, with 20 volts being preferred and the amperage is about 1 to about 4 milliamps.

[0046] In yet another embodiment, doped nanoparticles with a bandgap energy of about 2.5 electron volts to about 40 electron volts are used. These include, but are not limited to nitrogen-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles (band gap energy of at least 2.5 electron volts), copper-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles, chromium-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles, manganese-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles, cobalt-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles or nickel-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles are used. The nanoparticles are delivered to the patient either by ingestion or injection. The ear clips are clipped on the person's ears, one per ear or electrode pads are used. The device is turned on, the voltage is set and current flows to the anode, through the person's brain, to the cathode, intercepting the nanoparticles. The voltage ranges between about 3 volts to about 40 volts, with 20 volts being preferred and the amperage is about 1 to about 4 milliamps.

[0047] In yet another embodiment, other photocatalytic nanoparticles with a bandgap energy of about 3 electron volts to about 40 electron volts are used. These include, but are not limited to, zinc oxide (band gap energy of at least 3.29 electron volts), gold, silver, platinum, copper, silver-doped copper oxide, gold-doped copper oxide, silver-doped silicon dioxide and gold-doped silicon dioxide are used. The nanoparticles are delivered to the patient either by ingestion or injection. The ear clips are clipped on the person's ears, one per ear or electrode pads are used. The device is turned on, the voltage is set and current flows to the anode, through the person's brain, to the cathode, intercepting the nanoparticles. The voltage ranges between about 3 volts to about 40 volts, with 20 volts being preferred and the amperage is about 1 to about 4 milliamps.

[0048] Without being bound to theory, while the nanoparticles reside within the cell, if an electrical potential or voltage is applied that is greater than the energy required to stimulate (substantially iron oxide free) iron-doped titanium dioxide electrons from the valence band to the conduction band (>3 V) then positive charges or holes are created in the valence band of the iron doped nanoparticles. The conduction electrons and holes are captured by Fe+3 ions, which separates the ions so the electrons and holes don't recombine. The conduction electrons leave the nanoparticles to become part of the electric current that's passing from one electrode to another. The holes react with OH-ions in the cytoplasm to create hydroxyl radicals, OH:, that attack and kill the tumor cell.

[0049] The electrons removed from the valence band into the conduction band are replaced by an electron injected into the nanoparticles from the electric current passing between the electrodes. The electrons in the valence band are stimulated into the conduction band by the electric potential or voltage greater than the bandgap energy of Fe+3 ions creating positive holes in the valence band. The cycle repeats itself.

[0050] In all embodiments, if blood hypoxia conditions exist, the nanoparticles still produce hydroxyl radicals, which relies on the presence of hydroxyl ions present in the blood. There are 3×10exp(16) OH— ions in one mole of blood. The electric current passes through the blood because there's iron in it providing less resistance than passing through other body fluids. The nanoparticles are taken up by the cancer cells that are living in the blood vessels. The current preferentially passes through the nanoparticles taken up by the blood cells because there's less resistance to the current passing through the nanoparticles than the cytoplasm. The nanoparticles are a semiconductor (low resistance) whereas the cytoplasm is a dielectric fluid (high resistance). So, the nanoparticles are activated inside the cancer cells by the electric current producing hydroxyl radicals that kill the cancer.

[0051] While the technology has been described in detail, such a description is to be considered as exemplary and not restrictive in character and is to be understood that it is the presently preferred embodiments of the present technology and is thus representative of the subject matter which is broadly contemplated by the present technology, and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the disclosure are desired to be protected.