Nanotubes in tumor imaging and therapy

描述(申请人提供)：碳纳米管是由sp2键原子组成的石墨烯薄片，无缝地卷成直径1.5-20 nm的管子。这种材料具有独特的性质，包括在红外线刺激下产生热量的能力。我们利用纳米管的特性开发了多功能多壁碳纳米管原型，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，可以用来成像和治疗人类肾细胞癌的小鼠模型。在这项应用中，将通过制造不同长度、结构和组成的碳基纳米管来检验这一假设。我们将评估这些纳米管在组织培养和小鼠模型中作为抗肿瘤试剂的能力。我们将测试它们在光刺激下产生热量的能力，以及它们作为成像剂的能力。将进行数学建模，以优化铁管的位置，以实现组织中的最佳热传递。我们将优化治疗方案，以最大限度地发挥抗肿瘤作用，并将对周围组织的损害降至最低。归根结底，我们的目标是一种治疗方法，可以精确地定向，表现出低的非特异性毒性，与标准的临床成像设备兼容，并且很容易被人体清除。在这项应用中，我们将使用组织培养和小鼠模型来初步确定纳米管的特性，以便将其用于肿瘤成像和癌症治疗。 与公共健康相关：碳纳米管可能代表了一种成像和治疗肾癌和其他癌症的新方法。在这项应用中，我们制造新的纳米结构，在组织培养和小鼠模型中测试它们的抗癌效果，并使用数学模型来优化它们的使用。

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.