Targeted Gold Nanoparticle Contrast Agent for Digital Breast Tomosynthesis and Computed Tomography.

摘要

Targeted imaging agents use specific biomarkers that are present in tumor tissue to distinguish cancerous cells from their immediate benign environment. They are able to provide both structural and functional characteristics of the tumor such as shape, size, growth rate and expression level of cell-surface makers. The research aims to design an imaging platform using targeted gold (Au) nanoparticles (NP) to accurately determine the level of HER2 density in solid tumors.During the past year, I have focused my efforts on developing the imaging platform needed to optimize the visualization of the nanoparticles. The work has led me to better understand the mechanics of dual- energy x-ray imaging, and to look into the use of other metal nanoparticles such as silver. I have presented here my findings related to using dual-energy computed tomography to quantify the concentration of AuNP , as well as spectral optimization using a monoenergetic simulation. Additionally, I have included results from my attempt to attach the targeting ligand and fluorescent agent to the surface of the particles.