medical applications in nanotechnology

Updated September 2011

Medical Applications in

NanotechnologyCancer Detection Simulation

Teacher Prep


Students will read the scenario on the back of the Cancer Detection Simulation Card, make a visual inspection of the patient, and then make a prediction of what might be wrong with the patient.


Students will feel the card to simulate a clinical visit. They will hold the card to the light to simulate an X-ray of the patient. Then they will write a new diagnosis of the patient.


Finally, students will sprinkle the simulated functionalized nanoparticles over the person to find where the malignant tumors are. They will then write a more accurate diagnosis.


To make the Cancer Diagnosis Simulation Cards, use a hole punch to make small disks of thin magnet material from a magnetic sheet. In addition, make several discs from black paper. Use several sizes of hole punches.


Print 11 copies of the anatomy graphic. Print each of the patient scenarios on a separate sheet of paper. Spray an adhesive on the

back of the printed image. Lay the black discs and magnetic

discs on top of the adhesive. Place the magnetic discs in the

correct place for each patient

scenario.


Sample of scenario cards.

Magnetic discs

Black discs


Lay the printed scenario on the back and press to adhere. Laminate all the patient scenarios.


The teacher or students will prepare iron flakes to be used as simulated nanoparticles.

These are not nano sized; they are just used to simulate the functionalized gold nanoparticles.


Take a small piece of steel wool and lay it on a metal surface.


Lay the battery leads on the steel wool until enough iron particles are produced.


Iron particles for activity.


Iron particles adhering to the magnetic discs.


This module is one of a series designed to introduce faculty and high school students to the basic concepts of nanotechnology. Each module includes a

PowerPoint presentation, discussion questions, and hands-on activities, when applicable.

The series was funded in part by:

The National Science Foundation

Grant DUE-0702976and the

Oklahoma Nanotechnology Education Initiative

Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in the material are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the

National Science Foundation or the Oklahoma Nanotechnology Education Initiative.

medical applications in nanotechnology

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