Northwestern University Center of Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence NU-CCNE

NU-CCNE

Northwestern

Pilot Projects

Pilot Project #1
Alteration of Nanoscale Cell Architecture in Early Stages of Carcinogenesis Demonstrated by Single Cell Partial Wave Spectroscopy

Vadim Backman, biomedical engineering, is the pilot project leader, and Prabhakar Pradhan is the co-investigator.

At early stages, the progression of carcinogenesis is accompanied by morphological changes in the internal structure of the cells. These changes are manifested by a modulation of the nanoscale light transport properties, which are undetectable with current technologies.

This pilot project will seek to develop a diagnostic technique (i.e., partical wave spectroscopy) to accurately measure changes in mesoscopic light transport properties leading to ultra-early cancer diagnosis.

Pilot Project #2
Protein Polymer-Based Contrast Agents for MRI of Breast Cancer Tumor via Her-2/Neu Receptors

Annelise E. Barron, department of chemical and biological engineering, is the pilot project leader, and Thomas J. Meade, department of chemistry is co-investigator.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is poised to play an important role in predictive and preventative medicine. MRI non-invasively provides 3D visualization of whole tissues as well as molecular targets and processes at cellular resolution (~10 µm). However, MRI is limited by relatively low contrast, which current contrast agents have not been able to sufficiently address.

This pilot project seeks to develop a new family of targeted, multivalent, protein polymer-based contrast agents to image breast tumors and serve as clinical tools for breast cancer detection and treatment.

Pilot Project #3
Nanoassy of Steroids in Fine Needle Aspirates of Human Breast

Robert T. Chatterton, obstetrics and gynecology is the pilot project leader, Seema A. Khan, professor of surgery is co-investigator, and M. Habe-Evans provides technical support.

The long-term objective of this pilot project is to develop, validate, and test a nanotechnology-based procedure for analysis of concentrations of estradiol and progesterone in fine needle aspirates of the breasts of women who are at high risk for breast cancer.

Specific aims include: (1) designing an assay to measure steriod homrones in small samples, (2) determining the specificity, sensitivity, and reproducibility of assays for estradiol and progesterone based on the nanotechnology procedures using samples of synthetic steroids, and (3) evaluating the utility of the assays by comparison with standard techniques using small fractions of larger breast biopsy samples for the nanotechnology assays..

Pilot Project #4
Multifunctional Nano-Pyramid Probes (NNPs) for Photo-Thermal Treatment of Cancer

Terri W. Odom, department of chemistry, is the pilot project leader, and is assisted by graduate student, Warefta Hasan.

This pilot project focuses on a new class of metal nanoparticles with significant promise for photo-thermal cancer treatment - Nano-Pyramid Probes (NPPs).

The central hypothesis is that nanoparticles designed with enhanced localized heating capabilities and functionalized with biomolecules can enable the determination of the optimal conditions fo photo-thermal therapeutics.

Once such multifunctional NPPs are identified, photo-thermal treatment could become more efficient by requiring lower dosages, exposure times, and particle concentrations.

Center of Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence Northwestern University \| 2145 Sheridan Road, K111 \| Evanston, IL 60208 Tel: (847) 467-2530 \| Fax: (847) 491-3721 \| Northwestern Home \| Calendar: Plan-It Purple \| Sites A-Z \| Search Last updated 03/07/07 \|World Wide Web Disclaimer \| Policy Statement \| ©2007 Northwestern University

			This work is supported by the Center of Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence (CCNE) initiative of the National Institutes of Health's National Cancer Institute under Award Number U54CA119341. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s)and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Institutes of Health.