Enhancement and wavelength-shifted emission of Cerenkov luminescence using multifunctional microspheres

This thesis describes the fabrication, characterization, and application of radiolabeled multifunctional microspheres for Cerenkov luminescence imaging and targeting of angiogenesis in cancer and atherosclerosis. Cerenkov luminescence imaging has gained attention as a new type of molecular imaging modality for its potential to bridge optical imaging with nuclear imaging. The engineered microsphere design focuses on intensifying the Cerenkov luminescence emission and shifting the emission wavelengths toward the near-infrared for better penetration of light in biological tissue. This includes the use of a high-refractive index oil core that increases the intensity of Cerenkov luminescence by lowering the Cerenkov radiation energy threshold, as well as near-infrared quantum dots that can be optically excited by Cerenkov luminescence and generate higher-wavelength optical emission. In addition to signal enhancement of Cerenkov luminescence, the modification of the microsphere surface is addressed through the development of conjugation chemistry of functionalization and PEGylation to achieve disease targeting and to improve biodistribution of the agent. For this thesis, the microspheres were applied in several studies that were conducted in both cells and animal models. Emphasis was placed on the application of these microspheres for identifying tumor locations and atherosclerotic plaques through multimodal imaging techniques, including positron emission tomography, Cerenkov luminescence-excited quantum dot fluorescence imaging, and conventional fluorescence imaging. The effectiveness and the challenges associated with in vivo targeting using the microspheres are addressed, and possible solutions are discussed. The fabricated design presented in this thesis has great potential for facilitating future improvement and optimization of Cerenkov luminescence imaging in deeper tissue.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Nuclear, Plasma, Radiolgc Engr

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2014

Author dc:creator

• Li, Joanne

Contributors dc:contributor

• Boppart, Stephen A.

• Cerenkov luminescence imaging
• positron emission tomography (PET)
• quantum dots
• Microspheres
• fluorescence
• cancer
• atherosclerosis

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2013 Joanne Li

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/46813

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/46813