Event

The Diversity of Lipid-Coated Particles in Biomedical Applications - Tyrone Porter, Ph.D.

The IMSD PhD Scholars are honored to present this seminar by Dr. Tyrone Porter. Lipids are extremely versatile biomolecules capable of encapsulating particles composed of gas, liquid, or solid. In the Diverse Engineering Applications Laboratory (D.E.A.L.), we have leveraged this versatility to generate a diverse set of particles ranging in size and internal content for a diverse set of applications. First, I will review the development and utility of pressure-sensitive nanoemulsions (PSNE), which can be vaporized with high amplitude acoustic pulses. I will describe how we have taken advantage of PSNE vaporization with focused ultrasound for thermal ablation of solid tumors in the abdominal cavity and for nonthermal ablation of brain tumors. Second, I will discuss the generation and characterization of indocyanine green (ICG) J-aggregates packaged within lipid vesicles. While free ICG can be utilized for near infrared (NIR) imaging of blood vessels, the contrast agent is cleared fairly quickly (<30 minutes) from circulation and it absorbs less effectively over repeated illumination. ICG J-aggregates compared to soluble ICG circulate for hours instead of minutes, absorb more photons at longer wavelengths (i.e.> 850 nm), and maintain the absorption level over repeated illumination. I will describe how these attributes are advantageous for in vivo multispectral photoacoustic imaging as well as photothermal therapy. Throughout this lecture, I will discuss how real-world events and my commitment to equity and inclusion have motivated my efforts to broaden participation in STEM.

DATE: Friday, March 28, 2025
TIME: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
LOCATION: Online/Virtual

Email: imsdatub@buffalo.edu
Phone: (716) 829-3048