Development of a Tumor Histologic-Specific, Nano-Encapsulated Contrast for Enhancing Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Prostate Cancer; Annual rept. 5 Mar 2007-4 Mar 2008

摘要

Imaging of both metastatic and localized prostate cancer (CaP) remains a challenge. Our collaborators at GeneSegues, Inc. have developed the nanocapsule, a novel technology that, when coated with antibodies against specific cell types, is capable of delivering large cargos intracellularly into these specific cells. This project proposes to use nanocapsules to carry a contrast agent to human CaP cells growing in mice to enhance MR detection of cancer. Our work in the first year has focused on in vitro construction of a standard nancapsule around a variety of ferrous oxide particle which we have successfully completed. We have demonstrated reproducible in vitro uptake monitored by (1) morphology (atomic force microscopy, AFM), (2) surface charge (zeta potential by dynamic light scattering) (3) incorporation (colorometric assay, ICP-AES), (4) cellular proliferation by thymidine incorporation and (5) cellular uptake by iron histology. Cue to collapse of 35 W bridge, our MR collaborator's lab was shut down and has now just about to open delaying our in vivo MR work. We have recruited a second MR collaborator, Gregory Metzger, who is assisting with in vitro phantom work.