Center for Research Excellence in Nanobiosciences
Ongoing Research Projects:
Rapid Assessment of Food Allergens and Allergy Biomarkers
Allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic disease in the world. A recent survey of US citizens found that 54.6% tested positive for one or more allergens. Experts estimate food allergies occurs in 6-8% of children of ages 4 and under, and in 4% of adults. The goal of this project is to develop a rapid, sensitive and non-invasive platform technology for the assessment of allergy markers and allergens at point-of-care/testing (POC/POT). The detection methodology involves the use of functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) for the capture of specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) from the human saliva or of specific allergens in consumable products. The detection methodology will be integrated into a glucometer-like device. This design is proposed for its ease of use. The proposed detection system will have a dual application. First, the system will assess the presence of allergy indicators in human saliva. Interest in saliva as a testing fluid in allergy diagnostic has been driven by the ease and safety by which saliva samples can be collected compared to blood samples. Second, the system will assess the presence of specific allergens in consumable products.
Bacteria-Mediated Imaging Contrast Agent Delivery to Tumors
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) technology has grown over the recent years as the most accepted imaging modality to answer tissue characteristics and non invasive intracellular events. It generates MRI signal based on the difference of magnetization of the tissue protons in high magnetic fields subjected to a specific radiofrequency pulse. The levels of magnetizations are presented as different contrasts. Achievement of high and steady magnetic fields has enabled the accurate characterization of pathological areas with high resolution. Different types of magnetic particles can be used as contrast agents to enhance the MRI signal however; most commercially available contrast agents display poor specificity. Utilizing the attenuated bacteria as contrast agent carrier will provide the needed superior specificity.
Development of novel contrast agent carriers that are selective for cancer tissue with limited toxicity to normal tissues is a challenge that remains to accomplish. The proposed research plan employs genetically-modified, non-pathogenic bacteria as magnetic nanoparticles carrier. Attenuated Salmonella are capable of residing selectively in tumors. Genetically modified strains of bacteria, such as Salmonella typhimurium, has been shown to accumulate at tumor sites when injected in tumor-bearing mice and clear rapidly from blood in normal mice. Because of their selectivity for tumor tissue, these bacteria would make ideal carriers for contrast agents.
Magnetic Separation of Bacteria Loaded with Magnetic Nanoparticles
Contrast agent enhanced image