| dc.description.abstract |
The realization that most diseases are preceded or accompanied by changes in the genetic and cellular level of an organism has increased with the need for imaging modalities , with the sensitivity and specificity , to quantitatively detect biomolecules at those levels . Specifically there has been a need for the development of a modality that has the ability to detect multiple biomolecules from a single sample in order to increase accuracy of molecular diagnosis and allow for early detection of terminal diseases . Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy provides potential for such a modality . The distinct spectrum of each Raman active molecule serves as a molecular "fingerprint" enabling it to be clearly distinguished from other Raman spectra . Although Raman signals are fundamentally much weaker than signals produced by most other modalities , they can be enhanced by the use of electron rich metallic nanoparticles such as gold nanoparticles by 14 - 15 orders of magnitude . Additionally , gold's reported biocompatibility and its well documented use in dentistry and in the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis give it a unique advantage over other labeling materials . In this thesis , the synthesis and characterization of gold nanoparticles for optimum Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering within the optical window is described . Using these nanoparticles , five of nanotags were developed distinguished from each other by the different reporter molecules on them . These nanotags are shown to remain stable under harsh conditions and have a great potential for detection of multi -cellular expression in vivo and in vitro . |
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