Dynamic Nuclear Polarization of Silicon for Targeted Molecular Imaging

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dc.contributor.advisorKemere, Caleb
dc.contributor.committeeMemberBhattacharya, Pratip K.
dc.creatorMcCowan, Caitlin
dc.date.accessioned2019-05-17T18:48:29Z
dc.date.available2020-05-01T05:01:09Z
dc.date.created2019-05
dc.date.issued2019-04-17
dc.date.submittedMay 2019
dc.date.updated2019-05-17T18:48:29Z
dc.descriptionEMBARGO NOTE: Original submission was published under a 12 month embargo. This has been extended to 1/1/2021
dc.description.abstractColorectal cancer is the second highest cause of cancer-related deaths and is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in America. Although there are currently available screening methods such as colonoscopy, many patients remain undiagnosed until the disease has spread and thus likely advanced beyond hope of curative treatment. Also, colonoscopy carries the risk of intestinal perforation and is less apt to identify small or flat lesions. Patients diagnosed after metastasis make up 21% of all colorectal cancer cases, with a 5-year survival rate of only 13.5%. This presents an opportunity to improve screening methods with higher accuracy and safer implementation, namely through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of hyperpolarized silicon particles functionalized to specifically target colorectal cancer. MRI is a commonly used imaging modality that does not require ionizing radiation. Nevertheless, sensitivity and specificity are considered to be the major drawbacks regarding MRI. One method to improve the sensitivity is through hyperpolarization, a technique used to increase signal measured with MRI by at least 10,000-fold. Silicon is a promising candidate for in vivo medical applications due to its biocompatibility. Additionally, silicon is compatible with hyperpolarization due to its MR active isotope 29Si making up 4.7% of naturally occurring silicon. I have investigated the ability to functionalize silicon particles for targeted molecular imaging of colorectal cancer in vivo through hyperpolarized MRI. Furthermore, I have explored the feasibility of utilizing hyaluronic acid-based hydrogels to improve particle targeting ability.
dc.embargo.terms2020-05-01
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdf
dc.identifier.citationMcCowan, Caitlin. "Dynamic Nuclear Polarization of Silicon for Targeted Molecular Imaging." (2019) Master’s Thesis, Rice University. <a href="https://hdl.handle.net/1911/105953">https://hdl.handle.net/1911/105953</a>.
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/1911/105953
dc.language.isoeng
dc.rightsCopyright is held by the author, unless otherwise indicated. Permission to reuse, publish, or reproduce the work beyond the bounds of fair use or other exemptions to copyright law must be obtained from the copyright holder.
dc.subjectColorectal Cancer
dc.subjectMRI
dc.subjectMolecular Imaging
dc.subjectSilicon Nanoparticles
dc.subjectHyperpolarization
dc.titleDynamic Nuclear Polarization of Silicon for Targeted Molecular Imaging
dc.typeThesis
dc.type.materialText
thesis.degree.departmentElectrical and Computer Engineering
thesis.degree.disciplineEngineering
thesis.degree.grantorRice University
thesis.degree.levelMasters
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Science
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