8^th World Medical Nanotechnology Congress & Expo June 08 - 09, 2016 Dallas, Texas, USA

Chair

Shaker A Mousa

Albany college of Pharmacy and Health Science, USA

Co-Chair

Robert K DeLong

Kansas State University, USA

Session Introduction

Robert K DeLong

Kansas State University, USA

Title: Characterizing the nanobio interface of bio-metal or bio-metal oxide nanoparticles: Impact on the function and delivery of proteins and RNA

Biography:

Robert K DeLong received his Doctorate from Johns Hopkins University and did a Post-doc at the University of North Carolina in the School of Medicine. He began his career in Biopharma where his groups translated DNA vaccine particles from pre-clinical research into clinical development. During 2004-2005, he transitioned back into academia where he has taught undergraduate and graduate level biochemistry, molecular biology, research and nanomedicine courses. He has coauthored one textbook for biochemistry, molecular biology and biotechnology laboratory and published more than fifty book chapters, review or research articles on DNA, RNA and protein nanoparticles, their characterization, delivery and biological activity.

Abstract:

Our group is studying the effect of nanomaterials on the structure, function and delivery of proteins and nucleic acids as potential nanomedicines against cancer and infectious diseases. In particular, we have focused on metal or metal oxide nanoparticles derived from bio-elements such as zinc, manganese and others which normally mediate biomolecular interactions and stability in cells and tissues. We are comparing traditional characterization methods to newer applications and developing methods utilizing UV, fluorescence and photoluminescence spectroscopy and microscopy to better elucidate the nanobio interface, biochemical activity and physiological consequences of nanoparticles. Our results till date support that factors such as biomolecular interactions, stabilization and delivery size, shape and material dependent affect the above methods and that certain nanoparticles exhibit some protein and RNA specificity. Overall the data suggest upscale synthesis of homogenous nanoparticle with these ideal compositions and properties. Better characterization methods will be required to completely analyze medical nanotechnology potential.

Amalraj Fabian Davamani

International Medical University, Malaysia

Title: Chitosan-propolis nanoformulation for combating Enterococcus faecalis biofilms in vitro

Biography:

Fabian Davamani completed his PhD at IBMS, University of Madras and worked at National Institute of Immunology, India and National Science Council, Taiwan as a Post-doctoral fellow. Currently, he is working as a faculty in International Medical University, Malaysia; previously worked at Loyola College, Chennai and Birla Institute of Technology and Sciences (BITS), Pilani, India. He worked on infectious diseases of the eyes, genotyping of BPD patients, peptides and truncated protein internalization, mechanism and pathways, developed nano formulation against microbes. He is a Biosaferty Officer and Deputy Head, Center for Bioactive Molecules and Drug Delivery (BMDD) in International Medical University (IMU) and Head of Microbiology Research Focus Group at IMU.

Abstract:

Enterococcus faecalis are bacteria commonly detected in asymptomatic, persistent endodontic infections that grow in the presence or absence of oxygen. They cause urtinary tract infections, wound infections, bacteremia, endocarditis, endodontic infections and are also capable of forming biofilms in implant devices. Propolis is a resinous substance rich in flavanoids and has anti-bacterial properties. Malaysian propolis was obtained from the bee farms and tested for its effect on biofilm formation by E. faecalis in vitro. A twenty percent extract of propolis was prepared using ethanol or ethyl acetate. Chitosan-propolis nanoparticles were prepared by ionotropic gelation of chitosan with tripolyphosphate of sodium. Chromatographic analysis was performed by using HPLC. The nanoparticles were characterized in terms of average particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential and morphological characteristics. The average particle size in the nanoformulation measured by transmission electron microscopy was 125-200 nm. The zeta potential calculated ranged between 33-37±6 mV depicting good stability. E. feacalis was allowed to form biofilms in 96-well microtitre plates (Nunc) and the efficacy of the different extracts of propolis as well as the nanonformulation in inhibiting the biofilms was tested. Biofilm growth was monitored and bacterial viability in the biofilm was calculated. Nanoformulation of propolis gave the best inhibitory effect (at 75 μg) compared to ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts (200 μg). The effect of the nanoformulation on the expression of bacterial genes involved in biofilm formation was also studied. Sustained release by biodegradable chitosan flavonoids nanoformulation is able to provide long-term disinfection leading to effective thereapy.

S Kamran Kamrava

Iran University of Medical Sciences, Iran

Title: A new protocol for photothermal therapy of cancer using folate conjugated gold nanoparticles

Biography:

S Kamran Kamrava has completed his fellowship from Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS) and now he is a faculty member at IUMS, Department of ENT. He is the Director of Clinical NanoMedicine Lab at IUMS, and has published more than 30 papers in reputed journals.

Abstract:

The most common disadvantage of photothermal therapy is its nonselectivity and requirement of high power densities of laser. The use of plasmonic nanoparticles as highly enhanced photoabsorbing agents has thus introduced a much more selective and efficient cancer therapy strategy. Herein, we demonstrated the selective targeting and destruction of human nasopharynx cancer cells (KB cells) using the photothermal therapy of folate-conjugated gold nanoparticles (F-GNPs). Considering the beneficial characteristics of GNPs and overexpression of the folate receptor by KB cells, we selected F-GNPs as a targeted photothermal therapy agent. Cell viability was evaluated using MTT assay. Apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry using an annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide apoptosis detection kit. No cell damage or cytotoxicity from the individual treatment of laser light or F-GNPs was observed. However, a 64% cell lethality was achieved for KB cells using combined photothermal therapy of 5 μM F-GNPs with 15 min laser exposure (532 nm; 150 mW) and 12-h incubation periods. Cell lethality strongly depends on the concentration of F-GNPs and the incubation period that is mainly due to the induction of apoptosis. This targeted damage is due to the F-GNPs present in the cancer cells strongly absorbing laser light and rapidly converting it to heat. This new therapeutic avenue for cancer therapy merits further investigation using in vivo models for application in humans.

K S Meena

Queen Mary’s College, India

Title: Photodynamic cancer therapy of Ag@ZrO2 of core-shell nanoparticles in vitro

Biography:

K S Meena is working as Associate Professor of Chemistry & Controller of Examination, and also acts as the Co-ordinator of Bioinformatics Infrastructure Facility Centre in Queen Mary’s College, Tamil Nadu, India.

Abstract:

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is one of the emerging treatment modalities for cancer that takes the advantage of the interaction between light and a photosensitizing agent to initiate cell death. In the present work, core-shell type Ag@ZrO2 nanoparticles were prepared by one pot simultaneous reduction of AgNO3 and hydrolysis of Zr (IV) isopropoxide. They were characterized by absorption, XRD, HR-TEM and EDAX techniques. XRD patterns show the presence of monoclinic ZrO2 and the noble metal (Ag). HR-TEM measurement revealed that their size is below 50 nm. EDAX studies show that coating of ZrO2 on the metal surface. The photohemolysis studies carried out under two different experimental conditions in human erythrocytes, shows that the photohemolysis increases with concentration as well as light dose. The study of the effect of scavengers, GSH and NaN3 showed the formation of the considerable amount of Reactive oxygen species (ROS). The mechanism has been discussed. The photogeneration of singlet oxygen was confirmed by ESR technique. The cell viability of HeLa cell lines studied using MTT assay method, indicates the requirement of low light dose with increase in concentration. The above results confirm that Ag@ZrO2 core-shell nanoparticles can very well be used as nanophotosensitizer for PDT in the place of conventional organic photosensitizers.

B Deva Prasad Raju

Sri Venkateswara University, India

Title: Surface modification of biosynthesized ZnO nanoparticles by PEG and their antioxidant activity

Biography:

B Deva Prasad Raju completed PhD in Physics from Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati. Currently, he is working as an Associate Professor of Physics and also Director, University Science Instrumentation Centre, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati. He was awarded with Young Scientist award from DST, Govt. of India, New Delhi and also Scientist of the Year 2012 award from National Environmental Science Academy, New Delhi. He has published more than 50 articles in reputed journals with impact factor ranging from 2 to 5. He has received research grants from various organizations such as DST, DAE-BRNS, etc. He is currently involved in the field of luminescence technology, photonics and optoelectronic technology and nanotechnology. Five PhD degrees are awarded under his supervision.

Abstract:

Using nanoparticles (NPs) for drug delivery to the brain is a method for transporting drug molecules across the blood brain barrier (BBB). These drugs cross the BBB and deliver pharmaceuticals to the brain for therapeutic treatment of neurological disorders including Alzheimer's disease. The metal nanoparticles such as zinc, gold and silver and oxides of zinc have great role in medical and biological applications. In the present study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were synthesized using the Ocimum Tenuiflorum extract and surface of ZnONPs was modified by a polymer reactant PEG (Polyethylene glycol). Structural, morphological, particle size and optical properties of the PEG coated ZnONPs have been characterized by using UV-Vis spectrophotometer, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS or EDX), Zeta Potential and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The UV-Vis spectrum showed an absorption peak that reflects Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR). The optical measurements were attributed to the band gap. Zeta potential determines the stability of the PEG coated ZnONPs. The antioxidant activity of PEG coated ZnONPs was also determined by Diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and reducing power assay. PEG coated ZnONPs showed maximum inhibition and absorbance. This study indicates that PEG coated ZnONPs may find use in the treatment of neuroinflammation, brain tumors and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease where the blood brain barrier is compromised.

M Suriyavathana

Periyar University, India

Title: Nanobased phytopotential of Canthium coromandelicum against fluoride induced nephrotoxicity

Biography:

M Suriyavathana has completed her PhD in 2007 from Bharathiar University and holds the position as Assistant Professor in Department of Biochemistry, Periyar University, India. As a part of Doctoral guidance, she produced 11 Scholars, 35 MPhil scholars, currently guiding 6 PhD Scholars and has 22 years of vast experience in the field of Teaching and Research and specialized in phyto-pharmaceuticals, plant therapeutics, clinical biochemistry & nanotechnology. She has published nearly 60 articles in various referred National and International journals. She has authored two books. Recently, she organized a two day National Conference on New Horizon of Nanotechnology in Bioscience - 2016, 7th & 8th January 2016. She delivers periodic special lectures as Invited Speaker in various national & international conferences. To her credentials, she has been honored Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam Award for Scientific Excellence for the year 2015.

Abstract:

In nanotechnology, a particle is defined as a small object that behaves as a whole unit in terms of its transport and properties. Nanoparticles of noble metals, such as gold, silver, and platinum are widely applied in products that directly come in contact with the human body, so there is a growing need to develop Eco- friendly nanotherapeutics. Recently, biological or green chemistry synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) received enormous attention in design and development of synthesis using renewable high energy efficient materials. Therefore, the integration of green chemistry principles into nanotechnology is essential where the development of nanotechnology could benefit from a greener approach that promotes both performance and safety. Canthium coromandelicum upholds valuable medicinal property which finds application in the folklore of Indian Traditional medicinal practice. AgNPs were synthesized by using Canthium coromandelicum leaves extract. Green synthesized CCAgNPs are subjected to structural characterization to ascertain the phytocompounds which serves as the nephroprotective agent against fluoride induced nephrotoxicity. The in vivo study results suggests that the CCAgNPs exhibited remarkable restoration on the kidney marker enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, γ-GT & Cathepsin-D) and recovery of kidney tissues which is very well supported by the histopathological study. The effectiveness of CCAgNPs is supported further with molecular docking study. By performing dockings analysis, hereby thirteen compounds were identified out of two compounds Heptadecyl ester, Didodecyl phthalate showed very good docking posses with key inflammatory response enzymes like Cytochrome c and NF-kB. Heptadecyl ester, Didodecyl phthalate exhibited the best binding interactions among anti-inflammatory compounds and warrants for the development of potent NF-kB, Cytochrome C inhibitors serves as a lead compound which is presented to the scientific community for further investigation and confirmation for the treatment of renal diseases.

Woo Jung Shin

Sungkyunkwan University, South Korea

Title: Non-invasive cell tracking system using lipid supported polymeric nanoparticle

Biography:

Woo Jung Shin has completed MS from SungKyunKwan University. She is now conducting her research at SungKyunKwan University and planning to go US for her PhD. Her research interest mainly focused on biomaterials and their applications.

Abstract:

Conventional technology for cell tracking was mainly focused on fluorescence imaging and MRI. In case of using fluorescence imaging method, low ability of tissue penetration is a big obstacle when conducting in vivo imaging. Thus, this method sometimes required invasive method simultaneously. Also, MRI enables cells to be visualized through non-invasive method accurately. However, this technology requires a lot of money and time. On the other hand, NIR imaging costs less and it enables accurate imaging because of its deep tissue penetration ability. However, when using chemical penetration or gene transfection method to stain cells, it affects cell metabolism and it can cause carcinoma. Here, we excluded possibilities to destroy functionalities of cells using membrane coating method, instead of internalization into the cells. Also, we used lipid coated PLGA nanoparticles to encapsulate ICG (Indocyanine green) which makes the cells to have prolonged light emitting period. This method also reduced cell toxicity. Finally, it became possible to track cells without interfering cell functionalities.

Mohan C Pereira

University of Rhode Island, USA

Title: Formulation and delivery of lipophilic drugs to cancer cells by pHLIP® coated liposomes

Biography:

Mohan C Pereira is a final year Doctoral candidate at University of Rhode Island. He earned his BS from University of Colombo with Physics major and Pure and Applied Mathematics minors. In 2014, he received S Letcher scholarship for his academic and research achievements. His research interests include nanotechnology for medicine, targeted drug delivery and tumor targeting, pHLIP technology, hyperthermia for treatment, fluorescent imaging, radiation physics and physics and mathematics education.

Abstract:

Extracellular acidity is not only a universal biomarker for carcinoma and several other pathological conditions, but also a significant factor for pathological cell functioning and proliferation. Here, we report how we can exploit this biomarker to design novel, pHsensitive nanomedicine for therapeutics & diagnostics using pHLIP® technology. We formulated pHLIP® coated small, unilamillar vesicles with high stability and prolong shelf life to deliver hydrophobic agents to disease sites in more effective and safer way. For regular cell functioning, the right balance of ions in intracellular and extracellular spaces is vital. Any alterations done to this vital balance of ions could induce the cell death in both healthy and diseased cells. Apart from the extracellular acidity, the reverse pH gradient (intracellular pHi is higher than extracellular pHe) is another signature for cancerous cells. Here we report a stout mechanism to deliver nano-pores to cancer cells to disrupt the monovalent cation balance and induce apoptosis using pHLIP® coated liposomes. In this work, a gramicidin A is used to form monovalent cation conductive nano-pores. Another example is a delivery of lipophilic antineoplastic chemotherapeutic drug, paclitaxel (PTX), by pHLIP® coated liposomes. New formulation of PTX in pHLIP® coated liposomes shows high efficiency of PTX encapsulation and high stability. We show that PTX could be delivered to various forms of malignant cancers by pHLIP® coated liposomes. In both applications,

Chair

Agnes Bonvilain

University of Grenoble Alpes, France

Co-Chair

Fabian Davamani

International Medical University, Malaysia

Session Introduction

Agnes Bonvilain

University of Grenoble Alpes, France

Title: Microsensors for instrumented medical tools for their real time monitoring

Biography:

Agnès Bonvilain received an MS degree in Electrical Engineering in 1986, a PhD degree in Automation and Computer Science in 2002 and a HDR in October 2012. In 2005, she joined the University of Grenoble, France as an Assistant Professor in Electrical Engineering. Her research activities are related to the integrated BioMEMS.

Abstract:

In the field of interventional radiology, when a physician wants to make a puncture or a biopsy for example, he must insert a long medical needle in the human body. This instrument can be deformed by its environment (because of the inhomogeneity of the human tissues) and miss its target. The consequences can be dramatic. Traditionally, the physician use medical imaging to help him to reach its target. But no medical imaging gives satisfactory results for different reasons. Another possibility is to use the modeling. But all modeling methods use assumption that the needle and/or the human tissues are crushproof. And it is well known that this assumption is not realistic. So in our work, we propose to instrument a needle with microgauges. These microsensors allow to measure in real time, during its use, the strain of the needle. We can calculate from this strain the real shape of the needle and give it to the physician, in a previous medical image of the patient. The novelty in this work is that the microfabrications are processed on an unconventional substrate (curved surface and stainless steel). The perspective of this work is to broaden the applications to other medical tools.

N John Sushma,

Sri Padmavati Women’s University, India

Title: Rivastigmine loaded solid lipid nanoparticles: Formulation and in vitro characterization and antioxidant activity

Biography:

N John Sushma has completed PhD from Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, India. She is working as an Assistant Professor, Department of Biotechnology, Sri Padmavati Women’s University, Tirupati. She has published 50 research articles in reputed journals. She has presented her research work in various international and national conferences. She has presented a paper in International Conference on “Prevention of Dementia” by Alzheimer’s Association held at Washington DC, USA in 2007. She was awarded with Young Faculty award and National Environmentalist award. She is currently involved in the Nanobiotechnology, Biochemical Pharmacology and Herbal Drug Development against neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Abstract:

Injectable biodegradable nanoparticles have an important potential application in the treatment of a variety of neurological disorders. Rivastigmine is an oral medication used to treat patients with Alzheimer’s disease. It is a short acting cholinesterase inhibitor (ChEI) and blocks the action of acetylcholinesterase, the enzyme responsible for the destruction of acetylcholine. The purpose of the present study was to formulate and evaluate rivastigmine loaded solid lipid nanoparticles for sustained release. In the present study, rivastigmine loaded solid lipid nanoparticles were prepared using fish oil and flax seed oil by melting emulsification coupled with high shear homogenization technique. Variable drug/polymer ratios in nine different batches were taken to identify the suitable lipid ratios for better entrapment efficiency of the drug and also for sustained release of the drug. The prepared nanoparticles were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The particle size of the SLNs was found to exponentially decrease with the increase in surfactant solution. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and differential Scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis revealed that there was no chemical interaction between the ingredients of SLNs. Further drug entrapment efficiency and in vitro release studies were carried out. Scanning electron microscopy results revealed that the nanoparticles were spherical in shape. In vitro release studies showed that rivastigmine loaded SLNs were capable of releasing the drug in a sustained manner. In vitro antioxidant activity of SLNs and different concentrations of rivastigmine alone was determined by reducing power assay and DPPH activity. The experimental results showed the suitability of SLNs as a potential carrier for providing sustained delivery of rivastigmine.

Mary Mehrnoosh Eshaghian-Wilner

University of Southern California, USA

Title: Security in pervasive healthcare systems

Biography:

Mary Mehrnoosh Eshaghian-Wilner is an interdisciplinary scientist and patent attorney. She is currently a Professor of Engineering Practice at the Electrical Engineering Department of USC. She is best known for her work in the areas of Optical Computing, Heterogeneous Computing, and Nanocomputing. Her current research involves the applications and implications of these and other emerging technologies in medicine and law. She has founded and/or chaired numerous IEEE conferences and organizations, and serves on the Editorial Board of several journals. She is the recipient of several prestigious awards, and has authored and/or edited hundreds of publications, including 3 books.

Abstract:

Current healthcare and wellness monitoring devices make medical follow-up convenient. A Secure Body Unit (SBU) such as a wearable computing device allows for autonomous collection of a patient’s physiological data, such as glucose levels and blood pressure. This data can be sent to the patient’s smartphone and then to a physician for review. This process relies extensively on network connectivity, and yet current healthcare IT endeavors do not pay enough attention to protecting this highly-sensitive physiological data. Therefore, we propose a generic infrastructure that can be used by health technologies to enhance data security. A patient’s smartphone can use the industry-standard RSA protocol to safely exchange a secure key with the SBU. The health device can then use this key along with the AES algorithm to encrypt its data before transmitting it to the smartphone. The smartphone is then able to decrypt the health data with its copy of the secure key. This data is converted into a readable health report which is sent to the Physician Interface System (PIS), a generic web-based system maintained by a health provider that houses patient medical records. This transmission can occur over the ‘https’ protocol, which is widely deployed and considered secure. Overall, this architecture is a noninvasive method of physiological data protection and can be applied to any generic health technology infrastructure. It utilizes reliable protocols like https, RSA, and AES over more complex alternatives. As the proliferation of smart devices continues, this generally applicable method of data protection is an imperative.

Mahi R Singh

Western University, Canada

Title: A study of biophotonic sensors in metallic nano-hole structures

Biography:

Mahi R Singh received PhD (1976) degree from Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi in Condensed Matter Physics. After that, he was awarded an Alenxander von Humbold Fellow in Stuttgart University, Germany from 1979 to 1981. Currently, he is Professor in the same university. He was a visiting Professor at University of Houston. He also worked as a Chief Researcher at CRL HITACHI, Tokyo and he was a visiting Professor and Royal Society Professor at University of Oxford, UK. He was the Director of the Centre of Chemical Physics and Theoretical Physics Program at Western. He has worked in many fields of research in science and technology including nanoscience, nanotechnology, nanophotonics, optoelectronics, semiconductors structures, high temperature superconductors, nanophotonics, plasmonics, polarotonics and nanoscience and technology.

Abstract:

A large amount of research on plasmonics has been devoted to noble metal nanostructures, which to control electromagnetic energy flow on nanometer length scales. Metallic nanostructures have applications in biophotonics and sensing. Recently, there is an interest in studying surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) in metallic nano-hole structures experimentally and theoretically. They provide simple way to excite SPPs at perpendicular incidence without varying the angle of the incident beam. It is found that these structures transmit more radiation than that of incident light due to the presence of SPPs in these structures.We have investigated theoretically and experimentally the transmission of light in metallic nano-hole structures in the presence of SPPs. The transmission spectrum is measured for several samples having different radii and periodicities. We found that the spectrum has several peaks. The effective dielectric constant of this structure is calculated by using the transmission line theory. Using effective dielectric constant, the SPPs are calculated using the transfer matrix method and it is found that the SPP energies are quantized. The transmission expression is compared with experimental results.We found that the location of the transmission peaks can be modified by depositing biomaterials. These results can be used to make nanosensors for medical and engineering applications.

Kai A Carey

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, USA

Title: Bioinspired hemozoin nanocrystals as high contrast photoacoustic agents for ultrasensitive malaria diagnosis

Biography:

Kai A Carey is currently pursuing PhD at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences under the supervision of Dr. Vladimir Zharov in the Arkansas Nanomedicine Center. His work currently focuses on the use of near-infrared lasers for noninvasive early detection and treatment of malarial infection.

Abstract:

Unprecedented nanotechnological advances promise to revolutionize deadly disease diagnosis and therapy by enhancing imaging contrast and improving drug/vaccine delivery. Nevertheless, challenges still remain in treating malaria which kills over half a million people every year. Early disease diagnosis and accurate staging are crucial for good treatment outcomes. We show here that early noninvasive (needleless) label-free diagnosis and, hence well-timed treatment of malaria are feasible by the use of hemozoin nanocrystals as intrinsic high contrast photoacoustic (PA) agents in combination with in vivo PA flow cytometry (PAFC). Hemozoin, with the average size of 50-400 nm are created in infected red blood cells (RBCs) as a result of detoxification of the byproducts from hematophagous parasites, in particular, P. yoelii. We discuss the properties of these not yet well characterized NPs and demonstrate that they can provide very high levels of PA contrast in infected RBCs above hemoglobin background comparable to that of engineered artificial metal nanoparticles (NPs) used for targeting circulating tumor cells and bacteria. Moreover, laser-induced vapor nanobubbles around overheated hemozoin nanocrystals as a PA signal amplifier makes it possible to detect rare infected RBCs even in deep vessels that improve diagnostic speed and sensitivity. PA detection of hemozoin in combination with fluorescent detection of GFP-expressing parasites provide a detailed real-time picture of infection dynamics. Laser disruption of hemozoin containing RBCs may be used for destruction of infected cells. We are confident that natural hemozoin nanoparticles may find multiple applications in health care similar to those of metal engineered nanomaterials.

 

 

Miranda N Hurst

Kansas State University, USA

Title: Two Dimensional Fluorescence Difference Spectroscopy (2D FDS) to characterize nanoparticles and their interactions

Biography:

Miranda N Hurst received her bachelor of science in cell and molecular biology from Missouri State University in 2015. She is currently working as a Research Assistant under Dr. Robert Delong at the Nanotechnology Innovation Center of Kansas State (NICKS). Her current research focuses on the stabilization and delivery of RNA via nanoparticles into human and mouse cell lines. Her research interests include the relationship between structure and function of RNA and protein in the complex cellular environment, specifically for the development of cancer therapies. She has two publications in peer reviewed journals and one patent submitted.

Abstract:

Splice Switching Oligonucleotides (SSOs) are a class of antisense RNA that directly modulates pre-mRNA splicing. SSOs require a delivery vehicle to reach the nucleus such as nanoparticles. An assay has been developed using cancer cells stably transfected with luciferase reporter gene that is interrupted by human -globin intron. This construct results in production of non-functional luciferase protein. Upon successful nuclear delivery of 705 SSO, the intron is correctly spliced out resulting in expression of functional luciferase76. We analyzed nanoparticle delivery of SSO to cancer cells. We observed that Co3O4 (size < 100 nm) displayed the highest payload (83 nM SSO per mM nanoparticle). Binding constants were evaluated by UV-vis absorption (2.2 x 106 M-1) and fluorescence spectroscopies (2.128 x 106 M-1). Nanosight and DLS analyses indicate increase in NP size upon complexation. Positive zeta potential of Co3O4 shifts towards the negative indicating electrostatic interaction. First generation nanoparticles were screened for SSO delivery to A375 pLuc cells measuring photoluminescence. Cobalt oxide was found to deliver SSO in a dose-dependent manner. Cytotoxicity evaluation against HEK cell lines indicates 100% cell viability after 24 hrs of Co3O4 treatment. Significant increase in splicing correction as compared to the control was observed by RT-PCR and gel electrophoresis. Binding, uptake and delivery is being further evaluated by multiple microscopy methods. Overall, these results support our claim that unmodified Co3O4 nanoparticle mediated SSO delivery corrects RNA splicing and restores active Luciferase expression.

Yaw Opoku-Damoah

China Pharmaceutical University, China

Title: The quest to achieving a concerted cancer treatment: Challenges in nanotheranostics delivery

Biography:

Yaw Opoku-Damoah is a Post-graduate student at China Pharmaceutical University. As part of his National Service, he worked with the Import and Export Control Department of the Food and Drugs Authority, Ghana, West Africa before being awarded a Joint Chinese Government Scholarship/Ghana Government Scholarship to pursue postgraduate studies in Pharmaceutics. His research is focused on Nanotechnology, Drug Delivery and Theranostics. He is specifically interested in the use of nanotheranostics for site-specific delivery and diagnosis. He recently published a paper in Biomaterials IF: 8.57 and has another accepted paper in press which is focused on the design of versatile delivery systems for cancer theranostics.

Abstract:

The complexity of cancer remains a huge obstacle to achieving an antidote, and as such the disease requires pragmatic strategies for effective treatment. Cancer theranostics is regarded as a promising approach for the future treatment of all forms of cancer. With the rapid development of nanotechnology, an intimate combination of therapy and diagnosis by a single delivery system combined with an imaging technique will obviously hold the key to early cancer diagnosis and site-specific treatment. With several biological barriers and physiological constraints, the delivery of nanotheranostics remains a challenge to researchers. A few of these theranostics are under clinical studies while others are still under development. It is expected that theranostic medicines will be fast-tracked from the bench to bedside in the next couple of years. Apparently, the expectation seems impossible unless the major challenges in sitespecific delivery can be efficiently managed. Herein, we seek to offer a detailed discussion of the challenges involved in major delivery systems employed in cancer theranostics. This review also provides specific techniques or strategies that can be used to overcome these difficulties.

Walter Harrington

University of Arkansas at Little Rock, USA

Title: Photoswitchable nonfluorescent nanoprobes for tracking individual tumor and bacterial cells

Biography:

Walter Harrington is a second year graduate student at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) pursuing a PhD in the Interdisiplinary Biomedical Sciences. His current work focuses on developing novel photoswitchable nanoprobes for labeling and tracking of cells in vivo and use this diagnostic platform for study of biodistribution of bacteria (S. aureus) in the body. He works under the supervision of Vladimir Zharov, PhD, Professor, who is Director of Arkansas Nanomedicine Center at UAMS and who pioneered photothermal nanotherapy and in vivo photoacoustic flow cytometry.

Abstract:

The development of photoswitchable fluorescent proteins with controllable light–dark states and spectral shifts in emission in response to light led to breakthroughs in study of cell biology. Nevertheless, conventional photoswitching is not applicable for weakly fluorescent proteins and is limited by low penetration of UV and visible light used into tissue, strong autofluorescent background, and phototoxicity concerns. As an alternative, photoacoustic (PA) imaging has demonstrated a tremendous potential in biomedical study of nonfluorescent cells and proteins. However, little progress has been made in the development of photoswitchable PA contast agents. Here, we introduce a novel concept of photoswitchable PA probes consisting of capsulated thermochromic dyes and absorbing nanoparticles, which can control light–dark states and spectral shifts in absorption in response to laser light. In these hybrid probes, temperature-sensitive dye absorption is photoswitched through laser heating of doped nanoparticles. The proof-ofconcept was demonstrated using near-infrared laser and two thermochromic dyes with magnetic nanoparticles that are reversibly photoswitched either from a colored light state to colourless dark state or from one colour to another. PA imaging provided visualization of these probes in solution and cells. We also propose photoswitching of plasmonic resonances in gold nanoparticle clusters through interparticle distance changes. A potential application of new nonfluorescent photoswitchable multicolour probes are discussed with focus on cellular diagnostics, tracking circulating tumor cells, viruses and bacteria, and magnetic and NIR photothermal therapy of cancer and infections.