Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 3, 2026
Evaluation of Polymeric Gene Delivery Nanoparticles by Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis and High-throughput Flow Cytometry
Published on: March 1, 2013
Nanoparticles characterization using the CAM assay.
Soontaree Grace Intasa-Ard1, Albane Birault2
1School of Molecular Science and Engineering, Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology, Rayong, Thailand; Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences-Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology Research Center, Institute for Advanced Study, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
The chicken egg chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay offers a cost-effective and rapid in vivo model for evaluating nanoparticles in cancer nanomedicine. This method simplifies the assessment of nanoformulation properties crucial for drug delivery and tumor treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Cancer nanomedicine utilizes nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery and improved therapeutic outcomes.
- In vivo models are essential for characterizing nanoformulation efficacy and safety.
- Current models face limitations regarding cost, speed, and ethical considerations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the utility of the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay in fertilized chicken eggs for characterizing nanoparticles in cancer nanomedicine.
- To present the CAM assay as a viable alternative to traditional animal models for nanoformulation screening.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of fertilized chicken eggs as an in vivo platform.
- Monitoring embryo organs, morphology, CAM vasculature, and blood cells.
- Evaluating transplanted tumors on the CAM for nanomaterial interactions and effects.
Main Results:
- The CAM assay allows for straightforward evaluation of nanoparticle characteristics such as blood retention, biocompatibility, tumor accumulation, and drug delivery.
- Key parameters like angiogenic activity and tumor elimination can be assessed using this model.
- The model effectively monitors interactions between nanomaterials and biological components.
Conclusions:
- The CAM assay provides a valuable, cost-effective, rapid, and ethically sound in vivo model for evaluating nanoparticles in cancer nanomedicine.
- This model facilitates the screening of nanoformulations, assessing critical parameters for therapeutic applications.
- The CAM assay holds significant potential for regular use in pharmaceutical industries for nanomaterial characterization.
