Reid Grimes
University of Oklahoma Louisiana
Title: Bi-Functionalized Clay Nanotubes for Anti-Cancer Therapy
Biography:
Abstract:
Systemic toxicity is a significant drawback to a majority of chemotherapeutics currently on the market.The current research regarding multifunctional nanoparticles containing both a diagnostic and therapeutic functionality have demonstrated promise.Halloysite clay nanotubes (HNTs) are naturally forming nanoparticles with documented drug delivery applications.Recently, the synthesis of an HNT nanoparticle with both folic acid (FA) and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) has been reported.The uptake of the functionalized nanoparticle into CT-26 murine colorectal cancer cells was observed through epi-fluorescent and phase contrast microscopy.HNTs have demonstrated the ability to act as a nano-container for pharmaceutical agents.The addition of a therapeutic agent to the system is currently being tested, and this presentation will outline results of the trials.Furthermore, the modification of the outer surface of HNTs with photothermal agents will be discussed.The modified HNT system described in this presentation provides a viable theranostic system for a more effective treatment option.