Rabia H's Senior Project Blog

Project Title: Illuminating the Unknown: Revealing Tumors with Fluorescent Imaging BASIS Advisor: Jennalynn Hunnicutt Internship Location: University of Texas San Antonio Science and Engineering Building 1.104C Onsite Mentor: Syed Muhammad Usama

Project Abstract

Despite the growing knowledge of biological processes within the medical field, many smaller components and molecular systems are yet to be studied. Fluorescent imaging, a non-invasive technique which illuminates such minuscule bodily developments, is used to combat this limitation. Fluorophore dyes occur when electrons in a higher orbital jump down to a lower orbital, emitting light in the process. This is crucial for treating diseases such as detecting the early development of cancer tumors leading to early diagnosis and treatment. Commonly, scientific researchers identify biological molecules by using fluorophore dyes to label them. The performance of fluorescent dyes is heavily influenced by pH, temperature, and concentrations which can vary in different areas of the body. In Dr. Usama’s lab at UTSA, I will experiment with how far the fluorophore dyes will penetrate within the human tissues and study the development of these dyes. Along with shadowing a graduate student, my role will mainly consist of synthesizing, purifying, and characterizing deep-tissue organic fluorescent molecules. Additionally, I’m required to familiarize myself with advanced lab gear and machinery to develop the dyes, improving my lab skills. I hope to improve my collaboration skills through assisting my lab monitor and organization skills through sorting and gathering data, helping me to efficiently analyze them for future research in my career. By understanding how to synthesize dyes that can surpass its common limitations will ensure efficient research of understudied processes and expedite diagnosis for patients, allowing for treatment and a faster recovery.