Bo Pang

PhD Defense Presentation

Date: Mar. 3rd, 2017 (Friday)

Time: 9:00 pm (Beijing) / 8:00 am (Atlanta)

Location:

New 1st COE Building, Room 210 (PKU campus at Beijing)

U.A. Whitaker Building, Room 3115 (McIntire Room, GT campus at Atlanta)

Committee:

Dr. Qiushi Ren (Advisor, PKU-BME)

Dr. Younan Xia (Co-Advisor, GT-BME)

Dr. Zhifei Dai (PKU-BME)

Dr. Changhui Li (PKU-BME)

Dr. Mingyuan Gao (Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of Chemistry)

Title: Development of Au Nanoparticle-Based Theranostic Agents for Molecular Imaging and Cancer Therapy

Abstract: Cancer has become a leading cause of human death and a great threat to public health worldwide. With the help of molecular imaging techniques, such as positron emission tomography and single-photon emission computed tomography, early detection of cancer could be achieved, greatly reducing the mortality for certain cancers. Possessing unique properties such as bio-inertness, readily tuned optical properties, as well as easily conjugated surface, Au nanoparticles have been increasingly developed into imaging probes and therapeutic agents. In this work, we developed Au nanoparticles with optimal sizes, shapes, and surface properties, aiming to prolong their blood circulation half-life, improve their bio-distribution as well as targeting selectivity. Particularly, we developed PdCu@Au core-shell structure with novel tripod-morphology and investigated their optical properties as well as bio-distribution profiles. Innovative radiolabeling technique was also developed to incorporate Cu-64 into the crystal lattice of the nanoparticle for improved radiolabeling stability. Novel biomarker of C-C chemokine receptor type 5 was selected to target triple negative breast cancer for improved selectivity. In addition, the PdCu@Au tripods demonstrated a much brighter two-photon luminescence than that from Au nanorods, with a 3.6 ± 0.9 times larger two-photon action cross section and comparable quantum yield. New medical isotope (Au-199) and detection methods were also introduced to Au nanoparticles for better imaging quality.