Date of Award
Spring 4-29-2019
Document Type
Honors Project
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Department
Chemistry
Department Chair or Program Director
Sharpless, Charlie
First Advisor
Giancarlo, Leanna
Major or Concentration
Biochemistry
Abstract
In the last ten years, there has been little advancement in the treatment of the aggressive brain cancer Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM). This work describes the synthesis of a superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPION)-based nanotheraputic complex for use in targeting and killing aggressive mesenchymal GBM cells. The average sizes (and therefore magnetic properties) of the synthesized SPIONs are precisely tailored via a novel time-controlled approach utilizing a previously described electrochemical reaction. Through this synthetic method, the optimal particle size (OPS) where maximal thermal energy is released upon stimulation with an external magnetic field was determined to be 21 nm. The nano-complex was further modified to selectively target GBM cells by adding a heterobifunctional poly(ethylene) glycol polymer cross-linked to TWEAK (a GBM targeting ligand). Further investigation with FITC Annexin V/Propidium Iodide fluorescent probe and transmission electron microscopy showed that cells treated with the synthesized nano-complex showed both biochemical and morphological markers positive for programmed cell death. Thus, these nano-complexes show promise as a potential treatment agent for an otherwise untreatable disease.
Recommended Citation
Tovar, Matthew, "Synthesis and Application of a Magnetic Nanoparticle Based Nano-complex for Targeted Cell Death in Glioblastoma Multiforme Cells" (2019). Student Research Submissions. 282.
https://scholar.umw.edu/student_research/282