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.

Available for download on Wednesday, June 02, 2027

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