Optical database of QD-biomarkers for CVD-drug development
- Reference number
- SM10-0021
- Start and end dates
- 110101-121231
- Amount granted
- 692 310 SEK
- Administrative organization
- KTH - Royal Institute of Technology
- Research area
- Life Science Technology
Summary
Ths project is to use water-soluble quantum dots (QDs) as bio-markers for studying endothelial cells in vascular disease. Spatial and spectral response of QD luminescence to the external probing light will be analyzed in terms of physical and chemical interactions between QDs and their bio-environment in order to access anatomical and bio-chemical information about the bio-environment where QDs are localized. By tracking these interactions during the course of atherogenesis, initiating mechanisms of cardiovascular events prior to morphological changes will be better characterized. We have thus far found the quantitative indicators in optical spectra of QDs and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) where QDs are located. Work package 1 (WP1) in this duty exchange: I will quantify the indicators into an optical database of QD-biomarkers in ex vivo in terms of chemical and physical interactions between QDs and EPCs to develop this technology for in vivo tracking of EPCs. Month 1-10: use visible QDs; month 11-20: near-infrared (NIR) QDs. WP2: will develop NIR QDs and their detection for deep-tissue in vivo applications for which minimal concentration of QDs and minimal excitation power ensuring fluorescence detection for sensitive and safe diagnostic purposes will be determined. Month 1-10. I expect a successful model and database for describing interactions among QDs, targeting biomolecules, and bio-organs, which will be a critical factor for cost-effective CVD-drug design.
Popular science description
Atherosclerosis is a disease affecting arterial blood vessels. It is commonly referred to as a "hardening" or "furring" of the arteries. It is the major underlying pathologic cause of heart, cerebrovascular and peripheral arterial diseases. In order to stem the tide of cardiovascular disease (CVD), both sensitive diagnostic tools and potential therapeutic approaches are needed. Current non-invasive tools to assess atherosclerosis and effects of treatments rely almost entirely on morphological features of lesions, which are not sufficiently sensitive for identifying high-risk patients at early stage; neither can they predict near-future events in patients with vulnerable plaques. Biophotonics is the science of generating and harnessing light to image, detect, and manipulate biological materials within the range from individual biomolecules, through cells, to tissue, blood, and whole organs. The laser scanning multiphoton microscopy produces high-resolution, three-dimensional images inside living tissue. Quantum dots (QDs) are nano-size metal or semiconductor boxes that hold a certain number of electrons and, thus, have a wide number of potential applications, in a biological research context, for tracking cells and visualizing tissue structures deep inside living animals. Multiphoton microscopy with QDs can be 1,000 times brighter in tissue than conventional organic fluorophores. With the vision that nanoscience and nanotechnology can bring about fundamental changes when integrated seamlessly with biology and with devices at a continuum of length scales for the purpose of investigating fundamental life processes, combating disease, and improving human health condition, an integrated unit of expertise, with high degrees of multidisciplinary approaches from KTH, AZ and SUH, is formed in order to systematically characterize and optimize the fundamental electronic and optical properties of the QDs for studying CVD at both the biological molecular and photonic device levels, thereby leading to the best development of the novel biophotonic technique. By this duty exchange we will develop and implement the best available scientific knowledge in state-of-the-art QD-based biophotonics for in vivo molecular imaging of atherosclerosis. Realization of this goal will allow us to scan the body for molecular signatures of emerging disease, to support immediate, specific intervention, and to monitor the progress of disease and effects of interventions.