Honors Theses
Date of Award
Spring 4-25-2025
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Department
Chemistry and Biochemistry
First Advisor
Eden Tanner
Second Advisor
Thomas Werfel
Third Advisor
Saumen Chakrabourty
Relational Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
Glioblastoma, the most aggressive and lethal primary brain cancer, presents significant challenges in diagnosis and treatment due to its invasive nature and the restrictive blood-brain barrier (BBB). Conventional imaging techniques offer poor resolution, and standard chemotherapy is largely ineffective due to limited brain penetration. To overcome these barriers, this thesis explores a nanotheranostic approach using near-infrared-II (NIR-II) dye-encapsulated poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) coated with ionic liquids (ILs) to enhance both imaging and therapeutic capabilities.
This study focuses on the development, characterization, and application of NIR-II nanoparticles for biomedical imaging and targeted drug delivery. The nanoparticles are designed to encapsulate NIR-II dye within PLGA, with an IL coating of choline 2-pentenoate 1:1 (2PE1:1) that enhances stability, biocompatibility, and dispersion in biological environments. The optical properties of NIR-II wavelengths allow for deeper tissue penetration and reduced background interference, making these nanoparticles ideal for high-resolution in vivo imaging.
Beyond imaging, this research investigates nanoparticle biocompatibility and toxicity to ensure their safety for biomedical applications. The efficacy of these nanoparticles is evaluated in a glioblastoma model, demonstrating their ability to enhance imaging contrast and achieve site-specific delivery, potentially improving both diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes.
This work represents a significant advancement in nanomedicine, introducing a multifunctional nanoparticle platform with the potential to revolutionize glioblastoma imaging and therapy. By combining high-resolution imaging, targeted drug delivery, and enhanced biocompatibility, these NIR-II nanoparticles offer a promising solution for overcoming key challenges in cancer treatment and beyond.
Recommended Citation
Ly, Danny H., "ENCAPSULATION AND SAFETY EVALUATION OF NIR-II-PLGA NANOPARTICLES FOR GLIOBLASTOMA DRUG DELIVERY" (2025). Honors Theses. 3243.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/3243
