Graduation Year

2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

M.S.

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

Degree Granting Department

Pharmacy

Major Professor

Diane S. Allen-Gipson, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Mikalai Budzevich, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Ashok Kumar, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Stephanie Zhou, Ph.D.

Keywords

Nanotechnology, Lung Cancer, IONP's Diagnostic Tool, Targeted Delivery, Folic Acid, Cy5 Labeling

Abstract

Accurate tumor imaging is essential for early cancer detection and treatment monitoring [1]. Technetium-99m (Tc-99m) is a commonly used radioisotope for medical imaging, but its reliance on gamma-ray emission poses challenges related to safety, accessibility, and regulatory constraints[2-5]. This research proposes the development of a dual-modal imaging approach by functionalizing iron-oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) with the fluorescent chromophore Cy5, enabling both MRI contrast enhancement and optical imaging for improved tumor specificity. IONPs provide strong T2-weighted MRI contrast [6], while conjugated near-infrared (NIR) chromophores allow for high-resolution fluorescence imaging [7], making this proposed system adaptable for both in vitro and in vivo applications. Additionally, functionalization with cancer-specific ligands, such as folic acid (FA), enables targeted delivery of the nanoparticle (NP) to tumor cells that overexpress folate receptors (FRs) which are minimally present in healthy tissues [8, 9]. The nanoparticle’s efficacy will be evaluated through in vitro studies with the goal of offering an improved alternative for accurate cancer diagnosis. This multi-modal imaging platform offers a non-radioactive, cost-effective alternative to nuclear medicine tracers, with potential applications in precision cancer diagnostics.

Download

Share

COinS