# Synergistic combination of nanotechnology and radiation in medicine

> **NIH NIH R35** · OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $367,487

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
The development of radiation-senstive nanomaterials for in vivo biomedical applications would enable an
entirely new class of tools with enhanced detection, diagonosis, and treatment capabilites. Recently, we have
investigated a novel class of nanomaterial, X-ray-excitable radioluminescent nanoparticles (RLNPs), also
known as nanoscintillators, which are capable of converting X-ray radiation into near infrared (NIR) light. By
conjugating these RLNPs with biological targeting agents, such as antibodies, these novel probes can identify
molecular signatures a disease or biological processes through imaging. This X-ray-in-NIR-out imaging
approach offers several unique advantages over conventional optical imaging including: (1) absence of tissue
auto-fluorescent background, leading to better signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR); (2) deep photon penetration of the
excitation X-ray source; and (3) the ability to simultaneously multiplex image. In a therapeutic context, these
RLNP may serve as energy mediators to optically activate functional ligands for simultaneous multi-therapy
delivery when combined with conventional radiation oncology techniques. In this novel strategy, tumor targeted
multi-functional RLNPs serve as a link between radiation therapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT), and
photochemical internalization (PCI) enhanced drug delivery. We hypothesize that this combined approach
possesses several synergies that overcome the individual limitations of each technique. The overall goal of this
R35 application is to develop radiation-activated functional nanoparticles for both imaging and therapeutic
applications. As a research program development vehicle, this proposal seeks to provide the PI, who is trained
in nanotechnology the means to explore this unique nanoscale interaction between materials and biology with
the ultimate goal of creating clinically relevant tools. The current application builds logically on the PI's prior
work and is focused on applying X-ray stimulated radioluminescence technology toward imaging and radiation
therapy. Oregon State University (OSU) and Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) are ideal settings to
undertake this research with strong ties between clinical units at OHSU and basic science and engineering
departments at OSU.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9937738
- **Project number:** 5R35GM119839-05
- **Recipient organization:** OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Conroy Ghin Chee Sun
- **Activity code:** R35 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $367,487
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2016-09-02 → 2022-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9937738

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9937738, Synergistic combination of nanotechnology and radiation in medicine (5R35GM119839-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-01 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9937738. Licensed CC0.

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