Cancer Biology Commons^™

Syndecan-1 Tagged Liposomes As A Theranostic Nanoparticle For Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma., Wenyuan Yin

College of Arts & Sciences Senior Honors Theses

Theranostic nanoparticles are emerging as a novel mechanism for detecting and treating cancer. Due to the difficulties in detection and treatment of pancreatic cancer, these particles could serve within this unique niche. In this study, a Syndecan-1 ligand was utilized to increase tumor specificity of fluorescent dye encapsulated liposomes which were evaluated as a potential theranostic nanoparticle for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Their diagnostic capabilities and specificity to pancreatic adenocarcinoma were determined in vitro using immunocytochemistry and in vivo using multi-spectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT). Immunocytochemistry showed that liposomes preferentially bound and released their contents into cells expressing high levels of Insulin-Like Growth …