Nano technologies -
Molecular Specific Photoacoustic Imaging and Photothermal
Therapy
Introduction
Despite enhanced understanding and
the development of new therapeutic options, cancer remains
a major cause of human morbidity and mortality worldwide.
Early diagnosis of malignant events is the single most
important factor determining survivability and long-term
outcomes.
Much effort has been focused on the
identification of cancer biomarkers that can be easily
monitored in body fluids. However, it has been very
difficult to identify soluble biomarker(s) with a high
degree of specificity and selectivity for diagnosis.
Therefore, invasive procedures remain the primary approach
for cancer diagnosis. In general, cancer diagnosis is
a separate function from the associated therapy.
Invention Description
Researchers at the University of Texas
at Austin have identified a new imaging methodology
that could readily be linked to effective therapies.
Using photo-acoustic methods and targeted gold nanoparticles,
researchers have enhanced imaging capabilities, with
greater tissue penetration and earlier detection through
visualization of targeted nanoparticles. Once imaged,
photo-thermal approaches can be applied by the same
equipment to ablate the tumor area. Tumor necrosis can
be monitored by a combination of photoacoustic and ultrasound
imaging.
IP Status
One U.S. Patent Application Filed
UT Researcher
Stanislav Emelianov, Ph.D., Department
of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at
Austin
Konstantin V. Sokolov, Ph.D., Department of Biomedical
Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin
Timothy A. Larson, Department of Biomedical Engineering,
The University of Texas at Austin
Srivalleesha Mallidi, Department of Biomedical Engineering,
The University of Texas at Austin
