Biomedical Optics & Nanodiagnostics (BOND) Laboratory
We strive to advance nanotechnology, molecular imaging and biophotonics for the early detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
We are developing:
- Methodology and devices for in vivo imaging and spectroscopy with optical contrast
- Smart biophotonic probes for molecular imaging
- Diagnostic assays for efficient capture, detection and analysis of rare cells in the body
- Engineered cells for theranostic applications
Research Highlights
Current Research Projects
Multimodal Nanoparticles for Adoptive Immunotherapy Monitoring (MD Anderson IRG)
The main goal of this proposal is to test the feasibility of imaging of cytotoxic T cells labeled with magneto-plasmonic nanoparticles using a combination of MRI and photoacoustics.
Functional Cellular and Molecular Imaging Using Ultrasound-Guided Photoacoustics (NIH / Georgia Tech University)
A partnership of two academic and two industrial groups propose to translate major enhancements onto a recent commercial ultrasound/ photoacoustic imaging platform release to provide quantitative tracking of tumor angiogenesis, and cellular and functional properties in mouse models.
Acoustic Imaging of Sentinel Node Metastasis using Plasmonic Nansensors (NIH / Georgia Tech University)
The overall goal of this project is to develop molecularly targeted plasmonic nanoparticles and to apply them to detect the sentinel node metastasis using ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging.
Optical Systems for In Vivo Molecular Imaging of Cancer (NIH / Rice University)
The overall goal of this project is to develop molecularly targeted plasmonic nanoparticles and to apply them to detect the sentinel node metastasis using ultrasound and photoacoustic imaging.
Development of Unconventional MRI Approaches to Imaging Cancer Immunotherapy (GE Healthcare / MD Anderson)
The goal of this exploratory project is to evaluate efficacy of cationic lipid coating of perfluorocarbon nanodroplets (PFCs) to improve labeling of NK cells for 19F MRI.
Interdisciplinary Translational Pre/Postdoctoral Program in Cancer Nanotechnology (NIH / NCI)
The overall goal of this project is to develop a novel training program to prepare Ph.D. scientists who will transfer the many promises of cancer nanotechnology into clinical reality of the future.