Nanotubes in tumor imaging and therapy

描述（申请人提供）：碳纳米管是由sp2键合原子的石墨烯片无缝轧制成直径为1.5 - 20nm的管。这种材料具有独特的性能，包括受到红外光刺激时产生热量的能力。我们利用纳米管的特性开发了多功能多壁碳纳米管原型，它具有同时成像和治疗肿瘤的潜力。我们的假设是，我们可以创造多功能纳米管，可用于成像和治疗人类肾细胞癌的小鼠模型。在本次应用中，我们将通过制造不同长度、结构和组成的碳基纳米管来验证这一假设。我们将在组织培养和小鼠模型中评估这些纳米管作为抗肿瘤剂的能力。我们将测试它们在受光刺激时产生热量的能力，以及它们作为显像剂的能力。数学建模将执行优化放置的铁管，以获得最佳的热输送在组织中。我们将优化治疗方案，以达到最大的抗肿瘤效果，同时对邻近组织的损伤最小。最终，我们的目标是一种可以精确指导的治疗方法，具有低非特异性毒性，与标准临床成像仪器兼容，并且易于被人体清除。在这个应用中，我们将使用组织培养和小鼠模型来迈出表征纳米管特征的第一步，这将允许它们在肿瘤成像和癌症治疗中使用。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Carbon nanotubes are graphene sheets of sp2 bonded atoms rolled seamlessly into a tube of 1.5 - 20 nm in diameter. This material has unique properties, including the ability to generate heat when stimulated with infrared light. We have used the features of nanotubes to develop prototype multifunctional multiwalled carbon nanotubes that have the potential to simultaneously image and treat tumors. Our hypothesis is that we can create multifunctional nanotubes that can be used to image and treat mouse models of human renal cell carcinoma. In this application will test this hypothesis by fabricating carbon-based nanotubes of different lengths, architectures and composition. We will assess the ability of these nanotubes to function as anti-tumor agents in tissue culture and in mouse models. We will test their ability to generate heat when stimulated with light, and their ability to act as imaging agents. Mathematical modeling will be performed to optimize placement of ferrotubes for optimal heat delivery in tissues. We will optimize treatment schedule for maximal antitumor effect with minimal damage to adjacent tissues. Ultimately, our objective is a therapy that can be precisely directed, exhibits low nonspecific toxicity, is compatible with standard clinical imaging instruments, and is easily cleared by the body. In this application, we will use tissue culture and mouse models to take the first steps in characterizing the features of nanotubes that will permit their use in tumor imaging and cancer therapy. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Carbon nanotubes may represent a new way to image and treat kidney and other cancers. In this application we fabricate new nanostructures, test their anti-cancer efficacy in tissue culture and mouse models, and use mathematical modeling to optimize their use.