Modified silica nanoparticle tracking and imaging via intravital microscopy for Leishmaniasis treatment

Modified silica nanoparticle tracking and imaging via intravital microscopy for Leishmaniasis treatment

Student: Angela Tanner
Department: Chemistry
Advisor: Michael Pollastri

Abstract

In an effort to develop more efficient and cost effective treatment for leishmaniasis, a lethal disease that affects millions, medicinal chemistry can be combined with nanoparticle technology to potentially reduce the dosage of existing drugs by targeting delivery to macrophages, where the parasites reside in the host. Existing treatment, such as amphotericin B, will be encapsulated by organically modified silica nanoparticles to produce a new formulation. The results will be monitored with intravital microscopy to determine efficiency in vitro and in vivo.