Grant: Operating Grant

Advances in nanotechnology research have produced a large library of nanoparticles (e.g., quantum dots, metallic nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, and iron oxide nanoparticles) with distinct optical, electronic, and magnetic properties for many biomedical applications such as a contrast agent and/or drug delivery vehicle for cancer diagnostics and/or therapeutics. These engineered nanoparticles are expected to improve diagnostic sensitivity and accuracy, and enhancing drug delivery and therapy. Multi-functional systems that integrates different nanoparticles and molecules are being developed; these systems are designed for use as agents that can be imaged using two different modes (e.g., magnetic and optical) or can be used as a diagnostic and therapeutic system. These multi-functional systems are expected to make a tremendous impact in the fight against cancer. In order to engineer nanoparticles for in vivo cancer applications, there is a tremendous need to understanding the interactions of the nanoparticle with in vivo biological environment. An elucidation of how the size, shape, and surface chemistry of a nanoparticle interact with the biological environment could lead to development of guidelines that helps in the design of the nanoparticle for biomedical application. This is an immense need for the translation of a nanotechnologies into in vivo biomedical applications.