Nanomedicine: Activity 4 - Potential Assesment Task.
Bringing it all together: Aptamers to target cell. Using nanotechnology to beat cancer.
Introduction
Now that an exploration and explanation about aptamers and nanocapsules has been completed and their specialised properties (how they can be used potentially to effectively treat cancer) have been understood, it’s time to put it all together.
In groups, students will need to choose a medium to demonstrate to the class and teacher how aptamers or nanocapsules can be used to provide targeted drug delivery to a cancer cell.
Many creative options are available to present this. For example, one could choose to make a video, create a rap song, a play or a dance.
The more creative and engaging the group presentation is the better. BUT, the key points that must be included in the presentation should still be clear, not be lost in the medium.
Image shows nanoparticles in yellow finding and getting absorbed into the cancer cells shown in blue.
Image by stock photo (nist.gov) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons.
Choose a presentation format:
As a team pick one of the formats below. If the group would like to present your assignment in a different format, pitch the idea to the teacher and get approval first before creating it.
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Video:
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Rap song/ song:
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Play:
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Dance:
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Other: __________________________
Assignment Checklist:
In groups, make sure the following things are included:
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Create a storyboard or plan of the creative sequence. Make sure it is annotated with the key points included and where they can be found. These key points need to be backed up by references (no Wikipedia) to support that the ideas are factual.
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At least one reference per key point on storyboard/ plan.
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An explanation of any of the chosen nanotechnology is included (Nano capsule or aptamer).
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Includes cell receptor binding to chosen nanotechnology. (highlighting lock and key nature of nanotechnology and cell receptor)
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The process of chemotherapy drug delivery to cell is clearly demonstrated/ explained by chosen presentation medium. (from nanotechnology being attached to drug or nanotechnology being put inside capsule all the way to general apoptosis of cell.)
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Includes an explanation/ demonstration of why one would want to use one of these nanotechnologies for cancer treatment.
Marking Criteria:
These are the criteria that the presentations will be marked on:
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Have demonstrated a clear understanding of why one would want to use chosen nanotechnology in cancer treatment. (15 points)
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Have demonstrated a clear understanding of the features of chosen nanotechnology that allow it to carry out cancer treatment function. (15 points)
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Have demonstrated a clear understanding of how an aptamer or nano-capsule can deliver a chemotherapy drug to a cell and cause cell death. (25 points)
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Presentation has presented the key points in a clear manner to audience. (20 points)
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Have planned a clear, logical storyboard/ plan with at least one reference per point in story board/ plan. (25 points)
Resources:
Below are a few links to various clips showing targeted cancer cell treatments using nanotechnology.
There are many more videos like it on Youtube. Just search: Aptamers or nanotechnology and cancer treatment to bring a up a good selection of clips.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QwyMWM0Jjg