Francesca Merchant 1 , Kathryn Kearns 2 , Corina Simonelli 3 , Richard
Partch 4
Department of Chemistry, Center for Advanced Materials
Processing, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699
Abstract: Significant advances in nanotechnology have found applications in a variety of scientific fields, particularly those in biology and medicine. Our research investigates the use of nanoparticles for the treatment of cancer in a phenomenon known as photothermal cancer therapy, or more commonly known as hyperthermia. This innovative new therapy involves the use of gold nanoparticles and nanoshells, which are directed to a tumor site and respond thermally to near-infrared radiation, resulting in cell death. Extensive research in recent years has validated the technology as an effective treatment for cancer and the purpose of this research is to replicate the technique, incorporating the use of a fluorescent protein for imaging purposes. Furthermore, a novel technique of nanoshell preparation has been investigated. Specifically, solid gold nanoparticles are prepared using the Goia iso-ascorbic acid reduction method and silica-core gold nanoshells are prepared using a novel variation of the Westcott method. Both preparations of particles are then functionalized with poly(ethylene glycol) for enhanced biocompatibility and colloid stability. Lastly, green fluorescent protein is conjugated to the surface of the particles so their effects may be more readily observed. Electron microscopy, spectrometry, and thermal gravimetric analysis are used to characterize the particles. To demonstrate the effectiveness of photothermal therapy, cancerous and noncancerous cell cultures of various tissue origins will be treated with both preparations of nanoparticles and exposed to NIR radiation. We anticipate that fluorescent microscopy will demonstrate the preference of our nanoparticles to the cancerous cells and their ablation after exposure to radiation.
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Class of December 2009, Dept. of Biology, Dept. of Chemistry, Honors Program
2
Class of 2012, Mechanical Engineering, STEM
3
Potsdam Central School, Class of 2010
4 Project Mentor, Center for Advanced Materials Processing