Principal Investigator: Katherine Whittaker Ferrara, Ph.D., Professor of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis

Award: $100,000

Funding Period: June 18, 2009 – December 18, 2010

Abstract:  We have observed that low-mechanical index ultrasound can enhance drug accumulation and transport in a clinically-relevant protocol and have devised systems to precisely quantify full-body biodistribution of drugs before and after ultrasound and to precisely control the ultrasound parameters and the resulting heating. We will combine these methods to optimize the ultrasound dose, to quantify the resulting biodistribution of drug and to assess efficacy.

Progress Report: 6-month progress report; 12-month progress report; Final progress report

Publications:

1. Copper-doxorubicin as a nanoparticle cargo retains efficacy with minimal toxicity

2. Noninvasive thermometry assisted by a dual-function ultrasound transducer for mild hyperthermia

3. Longitudinal investigation of permeability and distribution of macromolecules in mouse malignant transformation using PET