Design of Raman Active Phopsholipid Gold Nanoparticles for Plasmonics based Tumour Detection and Imaging

• Main Author: Tam, Natalie Chin Mun
• Other Authors: Zheng, Gang
• Language: en_ca
• Published: 2011
• Subjects: Gold nanoparticles; Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy; phospholipid; nanoparticle design; cancer imaging
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1807/31462

Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide and one third of its burden can be decreased with early detection. Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopic (SERS) based imaging is a promising new technique for non-invasive detection of tumours due to its ultra-sensitivity and multiplexing capabilities. For in vivo SERS molecular imaging, a biocompatible, robust and targeted nanoparticle is required to attain high sensitivity and specificity. In this thesis, a SERS capable gold nanoparticle was rationally designed by encapsulation with a phospholipid bilayer which conferred biocompatibility, colloidal stability and versatility to changing surface chemistry. Moreover, validation of this SERS probe with a specific targeting ligand for carcinoma cells was studied through the targeting of a commonly overexpressed cancer receptor, epidermal growth factor receptor. Using this phospholipid design, optimizations with differing chemistries, targeting ligand or modifications for additional functionalities can be achieved for further development as a viable in vivo molecular imaging tool.