Graduation Year

2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

M.S.

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

Degree Granting Department

Biology (Cell Biology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology)

Major Professor

Diane Allen-Gipson, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Ashok Kumar, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Zhi Tian, Ph.D.

Keywords

Anti-CD73, Human Inhibitory Factor 1 (h-WNT-1), Nanotechnology, Non-small lung Carinoma (NSCLC)

Abstract

Lung cancer is one of the most prevalent and high mortality cancers in the world. Two different categories of lung cancer are non-small cell lung cancer which makes up 85% of cases, and small cell lung cancer which makes up the remaining 15% of cases. A significant risk factor that can lead to lung cancer is cigarette smoking (CS) however non-smoking cases i.e., secondhand CS, exposure to certain toxins and family history are on the rise. Both the main types of lung cancer have different system of stages, different ranges of treatment, and consequently low survival rates. Unfortunately, detection and confirmation usually are determined at stage four (IV) where the current treatments used are invasive with poor patient outcomes. Combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy are the primary treatment however have severe side effects as delivery of anticancer compounds to neoplastic tissue is important to limit toxicity as a result to targeting healthy cells. The demand for alternative treatment with minimal side effects is needed. Nanotechnology plays a role in enhancing efficient delivery of anticancer drug to the affected tissues by increasing the efficacy and reducing side effects. Presently, nanocarriers (NCs) have gained huge attention for their structural ability, good biocompatibility, and biodegradability. NCs fundamental goal is to tackle the delivery-related problems associated with standard chemo or radiation therapy and to carry medicines to the intended sites of action while avoiding undesirable side effects. Evidence suggest nanodiamonds (NDs) are potential new NCs for treatment for lung cancer. The objective of this study is to functionalize NDs as potential nano-drug carrier for gene therapy with minimized side effects and injury to health normal lung cells as well as to evaluate the functionalized properties of NDs as potential NCs for cancer gene therapy. We plan to purify commercial-graded NDs via acid wash and conduct functionalization studies utilizing Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The A549, human epithelial cancer cell line will, be used to demonstrate NDs potential for safe and effective NCs that can be used for future gene therapy targeting the tumor microenvironment.

Download

Share

COinS