Development of Biodegradable Zinc Oxide Nanowires Targeting Breast Cancer Metastasis

摘要

Our objective is to develop a biodegradable ZnO nanomaterial platform (mainly focusing on the nanowire NW morphology) for efficient vasculature targeting of BCa metastasis, and to optimize its optical property and conjugation chemistry for non-invasive dual-modality tracking (PET and optical). The overarching hypothesis is that suitably functionalized ZnO NWs can have long circulation lifetime and efficient tumor targeting for future drug delivery applications in treating BCa metastasis. Specific Aims: Aim 1: To develop strongly fluorescent ZnO NWs with desired size and emission wavelength. Aim 2: To optimize the biocompatibility and integrin v 3 targeting efficacy of ZnO NWs in vitro. Aim 3: To optimize the BCa metastasis targeting efficacy of ZnO NWs in vivo.