Design and synthesis of novel magnetofluorescent bionanoprobes for biomedical and veterinary applications.
Primary Topic:
Health & Wellbeing
Other Topics:
Natural Resources
Internship Overview:
This internship will provide the intern with an opportunity to get trained in cutting-edge materials science research in CSU’s chemistry department. The intern will primarily be working in Dr. Banerjee’s UG teaching and research-focused laboratory, which houses a microwave reactor, a sonochemical reactor, an ultracentrifuge, and other instruments for materials characterization and testing. They will also be able to use other UG research equipment the department possesses, such as fluorimeters, atomic absorption spectrometer, NMR, and electron microscopes. This training is expected to contribute to the intern’s development into a HQP (highly qualified personnel) in research and development. Dr. Banerjee is also in the process of establishing industrial collaborations and partnerships with other research groups, including groups in biomedical and veterinary research, who are likely to be interested in multifunctional bionanoprobes for diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as glioblastoma. This kind of interdisciplinary research allows for the direct connection of the intern with industry professionals; the intern is likely to benefit enormously from such a partnership, just as the intern’s unique skill sets will likely attract attention from the relevant industries at home and abroad. Furthermore, the materials and applications being developed by the intern are expected to lead to intellectual property and possible commercialization. All technologies developed during the course of this internship are expected to produce solutions that will improve the comfort, health and quality of life of the people (and animals!) of Colorado and elsewhere.
Goals, Scope and Objectives:
Dr. Banerjee’s expertise in the fabrication of highly deformed morphological variants of d- and f-f-block inorganic nanoparticles (NPs), which are now showing great promise as inorganic imaging agents for biological applications, as well as their experience in designing novel functionalized NP ligands, combine to form the backbone of this internship. This proposed internship will contribute to our long-term goal of designing bionanoprobes with orthogonal diagnostic/therapeutic components within a single composite material. We intend to create easily trackable magnetic nanoprobes which are active for multiple imaging/therapeutic modalities such as MRI-magnetic hyperthermia (destruction of carcinoma at supra-normal body temperatures generated by magnetic
NPs transforming electromagnetic energy from an external high-frequency field to heat) and MRI-fluorescence. The near-term goal is for the intern to synthesize dye-grafted silica NPs, attach mixed metal ferrite ‘dots’ to their surfaces to impart magnetic properties to these fluorescent materials, and characterize these composites. This research is expected to generate multifunctional nanodetectors, coupling the augmented resolution and deep-tissue penetration abilities of MRI with the superior sensitivity of fluorescence bio-imaging. If time permits, then cellular uptake of these materials, their cytotoxicity, and their image augmentation properties will be examined in collaboration with other CSU research groups. The intern will have the opportunity to collaborate with these partner labs, thus gaining expertise not only in materials synthesis, but also in the functional deployment of the as-synthesized materials in cells and tissues, for biological testing.
NPs transforming electromagnetic energy from an external high-frequency field to heat) and MRI-fluorescence. The near-term goal is for the intern to synthesize dye-grafted silica NPs, attach mixed metal ferrite ‘dots’ to their surfaces to impart magnetic properties to these fluorescent materials, and characterize these composites. This research is expected to generate multifunctional nanodetectors, coupling the augmented resolution and deep-tissue penetration abilities of MRI with the superior sensitivity of fluorescence bio-imaging. If time permits, then cellular uptake of these materials, their cytotoxicity, and their image augmentation properties will be examined in collaboration with other CSU research groups. The intern will have the opportunity to collaborate with these partner labs, thus gaining expertise not only in materials synthesis, but also in the functional deployment of the as-synthesized materials in cells and tissues, for biological testing.
With which stakeholder group(s) will the intern work?
The stakeholder group that would provide maximum mutual benefit for this area of research would be pharmaceutical and vet med companies, especially ones interested in designing and deploying medical imaging contrast agents. Research groups focusing on the imaging, diagnosis, and treatment of neoplasms in humans and animals would also be likely stakeholders in applying our technology to their research.
What student learning outcomes do you anticipate and what are the opportunities for professional development?
First and foremost, this internship will involve developing proficiency in lab techniques and experiments, ensuring chemical safety, and handling and disposing of chemicals properly. Interns will collaborate with other researchers, supervisors, and industry partners to enhance teamwork and complete scientific investigations efficiently. The intern will be trained in synthetic and instrumental techniques essential for successful completion of the work outlined in this proposal. Data collection and analysis are important aspects of this internship, including gathering data, organizing and summarizing it, and using statistical analysis techniques for interpretation – the intern will receive mentorship in all these areas. Since this project is interdisciplinary in nature, the intern will be exposed to the chemical, biochemical, and biomedical industry partners, allowing them to learn and apply safety practices, gain insights into industry trends, and figure out which projects are aligned with current industry needs. By actively engaging with professionals in the field, the intern can expand their network and establish valuable professional connections during this internship. Networking is a crucial aspect of career development, and the intern will be encouraged to attend local industry events, meetings, and departmental events/conferences with networking as an important objective. Finally, the intern will receive continuous feedback from Dr. Banerjee and others in the department, providing valuable insights and guidance on areas that need improvement. In summary, the student is expected to leave this internship with augmented lab skills, valuable instrumental training, improved skills in data analysis and dissemination, and a vastly enlarged professional network.
