Date Approved
6-2-2025
Embargo Period
6-2-2027
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.S. Pharmaceutical Sciences
Department
Chemistry and Biochemistry
College
College of Science & Mathematics
Advisor
Lei Yu, Ph.D.
Committee Member 1
Gregory A. Caputo, Ph.D.
Committee Member 2
Amos Mugweru, Ph.D.
Abstract
Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), known for their unique optical and physicochemical properties, have become increasingly significant in biomedical applications, especially cancer diagnostics and therapy. Single-particle Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (SP-ICP-MS) was utilized to classify, quantify, and evaluate the size distribution and concentration of the synthesized nanoparticles. The experimental workflow involved the characterization of AuNPs in three cellular models: H4 neuroglioma cells, T cells, and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Cells were exposed to nanoparticles, and SP-ICP-MS was employed to quantify parameters such as the number of particles, particle concentration, particle size distribution, average particle size, and median particle size. Results indicated distinct variations in nanoparticle uptake across cell types. MDA-MB-231 cells exhibited high levels of nanoparticle internalization due to their active endocytosis pathways, while T cells demonstrated selective uptake influenced by immune activation states. H4 cells showed limited nanoparticle uptake, highlighting the challenges posed by the blood-brain barrier and tumor microenvironment. The size distribution of AuNPs remained stable post-internalization, validating their structural integrity under experimental conditions. This study underscores the versatility of SP-ICP-MS in nanoparticle research and highlights its potential for advancing targeted nanomedicine applications. The insights gained into cellular interactions with gold nanoparticles can promote the optimization of nanoparticle-based therapeutic strategies tailored to complex biological systems.
Recommended Citation
Singh, Richa, "Cellular Interactions with Gold Nanoparticles: A Comparative Study Using SP-ICP-MS in T Cells, MDA-MB-231 Cells, and H4 Cells" (2025). Theses and Dissertations. 3371.
https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/3371
