Quantifying selective toxicity of nanoparticles in zebrafish xenograft through advanced microscopy
EMSL Project ID
47686
Abstract
Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) possess a 28-35 fold preferential cytotoxicity toward cancerous T cells in culture. We hypothesize that this cell dependent selective cytotoxicity extends to other metal oxide NPs. However, confirmation of whether this cell specific cytotoxicity persists in vivo remains to be seen. Zebrafish are a well-established model for studying developmental biology and investigating interactions of NPs with living systems at multiple levels of biological organization. Their transparency and small size make this model adaptable to rapid through-put, whole animal investigations. Through the use of an innovative zebrafish xenograft model, we can efficiently identify the properties of NPs that reduce adverse effects to the zebrafish while investigating the traits that enhance their selectivity toward cancer. Access to EMSL facilities will help establish the efficacy of the preferential toxicity of the ZnO-NPs by microscopic imaging and quantification of the xenotransplant size and distribution before and after treatment with the NPs. Imaging of xenografts exposed to FITC encapsulated ZnO-NPs will allow for measuring uptake, distribution, and potential NP-biological interactions. With this proposal, we will help fulfill EMSL’s Science of Interfacial Phenomena theme with a focus on the interactions of nanomaterials with living systems. This will help provide new design and synthesis rules for producing safer nanomaterials while maintaining critical performance properties.
Project Details
Project type
Exploratory Research
Start Date
2012-12-05
End Date
2013-09-30
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator