Shi D., Guo Y., Dong Z., Lian J., Wang W., Liu G., Ewing R.
University of Cincinnati, US
Keywords: imaging, luminescence, nanotube
There is currently an increasing need for early detection of cancer before anatomic anomalies are visible. A major challenge in cancer diagnosis is to be able to locally biomark the cancer cells in clinical pathology for maximum therapeutic benefit. In cancer therapy, targeting and localized delivery are also the key challenges. One promising strategy for overcoming these challenges is to make use of highly luminescent nanoparticles for qualitative or quantitative in vitro detection of tumor cells. A critical challenge for biomarking based on luminescent materials has been the development of nanostructures with high visible or infrared emissions for localized precision imaging and cavities for drug storage. The challenge often originates from complex nanostructures that entail both intense emissions and storage capabilities. We report here a scheme of novel nanostructure design that ideally satisfies these important requirements. By surface functionalizing carbon nanotubes with luminescent materials, in vivo soft tissue imaging was realized in mice for the first time. The surface functionalized carbon nanotubes exhibited intense visible light emissions in both fluorescent spectroscopy and animal in vivo imaging. The experimental results presented in this study show promise in cancer diagnosis.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 2, Technical Proceedings of the 2007 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 2
Published: May 20, 2007
Pages: 251 - 254
Industry sectors: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing | Medical & Biotech
Topics: Biomaterials, Materials Characterization & Imaging
ISBN: 1-4200-6183-6