Design of targeted magnetic nanoparticles for multifunctional nanomedical systems

Mary Margaret Seale, Purdue University

Abstract

Nanomedical systems are being designed to select specific cells through biomolecular targeting and to enhance detection of diseased cells in a diverse, multicellular population. Multilayered nanoparticles are one example of a nanomedical system that has great potential for improving both cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. Functional layers constructed around a core nanoparticle are responsible for targeting nanoparticles to cells of interest, transporting nanoparticles across the cell membrane, and delivering therapeutic molecules to these targeted cells. Our current work is focused on coupling targeting molecules, including both monoclonal antibodies and synthetic peptides, to the surface of fluorescent or magnetic nanoparticles, to allow for nanoparticle targeting of cell membrane receptors expressed by cancer cell types. Both breast cancer and bladder cancer cells were used as models for nanoparticle targeting and delivery for these studies. An immunoprecipitation bioassay has indicated that antibodies remain bioactive after conjugation to the nanoparticle surface; additionally, electron microscopy has provided visual evidence that these molecules allow for the nanoparticles to gain entry across the cell membrane by receptor-mediated endocytosis. Detection of magnetic nanoparticles by MRI in tissue phantoms is being explored to understand the diagnostic potential of magnetic nanoparticle probes for the in vivo environment, while fluorescent detection and electron microscopy are being used to confirm nanoparticle internalization in vitro. The end goal of this project was to study the effects of nanoparticle dosing on cancer cells and include apoptosis-inducing peptides with the multilayered nanoparticle system, as a first approach for therapeutic strategies. These findings will contribute to the overall development of nanomedicine for treatment of disease and can be translated to other diseases that alter or infect host cells.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Leary, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Cellular biology|Biomedical engineering

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