Biomedical Catalyst – Cadmium-free quantum dots for cancer diagnostics using fluorescence imaging
Lead Research Organisation:
University College London
Department Name: UNLISTED
Abstract
Quantum dot (QDs) are semiconducting nanocrystals with unique optical properties which have stimulated wide interest in their use for biomedical diagnostic applications. In this project we will investigate QDs for Sentinel Lymph Node (SLN) mapping which is a key technique in cancer treatment.
A further objective is mapping of QD fluorescence in metastases using targeted vs. untargeted QDs. Mapping of potentially malignant lymph nodes adjacent to tumours (ie sentinel nodes) followed by surgical excision of the nodes can lead to improved survival. However current SLN mapping techniques using blue dyes and radioactive colloids have several disadvantages. Fluorescence imaging offers improved detection sensitivity for SLN mapping. Nanoco has unique patented technology to synthesize heavy metal-free water soluble fluorescent quantum dots (QDs) in large quantities. This project aims to demonstrate the use and functionalisation of QDs with red/NIR fluorescence developed by Nanoco for application in SLN/metastasis mapping using clinically relevant models at UCL.
A further objective is mapping of QD fluorescence in metastases using targeted vs. untargeted QDs. Mapping of potentially malignant lymph nodes adjacent to tumours (ie sentinel nodes) followed by surgical excision of the nodes can lead to improved survival. However current SLN mapping techniques using blue dyes and radioactive colloids have several disadvantages. Fluorescence imaging offers improved detection sensitivity for SLN mapping. Nanoco has unique patented technology to synthesize heavy metal-free water soluble fluorescent quantum dots (QDs) in large quantities. This project aims to demonstrate the use and functionalisation of QDs with red/NIR fluorescence developed by Nanoco for application in SLN/metastasis mapping using clinically relevant models at UCL.
Technical Summary
Quantum dot (QDs) are semiconducting nanocrystals with unique optical properties which have stimulated wide interest in their use for biomedical diagnostic applications. In this project we will investigate QDs for Sentinel Lymph Node (SLN) mapping which is a key technique in cancer treatment.
A further objective is mapping of QD fluorescence in metastases using targeted vs. untargeted QDs. Mapping of potentially malignant lymph nodes adjacent to tumours (ie sentinel nodes) followed by surgical excision of the nodes can lead to improved survival. However current SLN mapping techniques using blue dyes and radioactive colloids have several disadvantages. Fluorescence imaging offers improved detection sensitivity for SLN mapping. Nanoco has unique patented technology to synthesize heavy metal-free water soluble fluorescent quantum dots (QDs) in large quantities. This project aims to demonstrate the use and functionalisation of QDs with red/NIR fluorescence developed by Nanoco for application in SLN/metastasis mapping using clinically relevant models at UCL.
A further objective is mapping of QD fluorescence in metastases using targeted vs. untargeted QDs. Mapping of potentially malignant lymph nodes adjacent to tumours (ie sentinel nodes) followed by surgical excision of the nodes can lead to improved survival. However current SLN mapping techniques using blue dyes and radioactive colloids have several disadvantages. Fluorescence imaging offers improved detection sensitivity for SLN mapping. Nanoco has unique patented technology to synthesize heavy metal-free water soluble fluorescent quantum dots (QDs) in large quantities. This project aims to demonstrate the use and functionalisation of QDs with red/NIR fluorescence developed by Nanoco for application in SLN/metastasis mapping using clinically relevant models at UCL.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
Publications
Mohammad-Hadi L
(2018)
Photodynamic therapy in 3D cancer models and the utilisation of nanodelivery systems.
in Nanoscale
Yaghini E
(2021)
Population pharmacokinetic modelling of indium-based quantum dot nanoparticles: preclinical in vivo studies.
in European journal of pharmaceutical sciences : official journal of the European Federation for Pharmaceutical Sciences
Yaghini E
(2018)
In vivo biodistribution and toxicology studies of cadmium-free indium-based quantum dot nanoparticles in a rat model
in Nanomedicine: Nanotechnology, Biology and Medicine
Yaghini E
(2016)
In vivo biodistribution studies and ex vivo lymph node imaging using heavy metal-free quantum dots
in Biomaterials
| Title | VIVIDOT nanoparticle |
| Description | A new class of biocompatible cadmium-free quantum dot was developed during this research in collaboration with Nanoco Technologies Ltd which have been patented as VIVODOT nanoparticles. |
| Type | Diagnostic Tool - Imaging |
| Current Stage Of Development | Initial development |
| Year Development Stage Completed | 2017 |
| Development Status | Under active development/distribution |
| Impact | This grant led to successful follow-up funding by Innovate UK to investigate the targeting of VIVODOT nanoparticles for pancreatic cancer |
| Description | Nanoparticles for enhancement of colorectal cancer treatment |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | This was a workshop organised by our department and held at UCL from October 26-27, 2017, to discuss the latest developments in using nanoparticles to enhance radiotherapy of colorectal cancer and detect colorectal tumours. The attendees (22) were drawn from academia, industry and patient-representatives groups. The workshop was a great success and a report on its conclusions is being prepared for publication in Br. J. Radiology. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | Royal Society Summer Exhibition, July 2017 |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | We participated in the annual Royal Society Summer Exhibition which was held over 6 days in July 2017. Our stand under the title of 'Smart Surfaces' presented our research in collaboration with UCL Chemistry and Engineering using nanoparticles for preparing self-sterilising surfaces for minimising the spread of infections. The exhibition attendance was about 15,000. Our exhibit was well attended and the visitors asked our staff many questions and were impressed with our achievements |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| URL | https://royalsociety.org/science-events-and-lectures/2017/summer-science-exhibition/exhibits/smart-s... |