Developing micro and nanostrategies for human cancer detection and therapy

• Main Author: Tng, Danny Jian Hang
• Other Authors: Katrina Roslyn Keith
• Format: Theses and Dissertations
• Language: English
• Published: 2016
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/66312
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

In this thesis, micro and nano technologies were employed to create cancer therapies that can be customized for individuals by enhancing the therapeutic effects while simultaneously reducing the possible side-effects. Using a newly engineered Lab-On-a-Chip drug testing device, optimized drug formulations for killing the cancer in vitro were determined. These drug formulations were then loaded into multifunctional hybrid-polymeric nanoparticles for enhancing tumor uptake and improving providing targeted delivery in vivo. In addition, these nanoparticles were equipped with multimodal imaging capabilities (e.g. fluorescence and magnetic resonance imaging), allowing real-time monitoring of the biodistribution and efficacy of the nanodrugs in vivo. Lastly, to further improve the delivery of the nanodrugs locally, biocompatible microelectromechanical system devices were fabricated and implanted into small animals for evaluation of the pharmacokinetics of programmed drug delivery. The use of these approaches allows treatment to be tailored for the individual, thereby enhancing the therapeutic outcomes.