Melinda Higgins
The Harpeth Hall School
Chemistry, Biology 

Todd Giorgio, Ph.D, Sarah Sewell, Ph.D – Nanotechnology Lab 

The Giorgio lab is studying multifunctional nanoparticles in imaging, proteolytic activation and recognition. I was involved in basic quantum dot (QD) research. QDs are nanoparticles that are used for a variety of applications ranging from labeling biological events to producing white light.  Quantum dots are extremely bright fluorophores that have unique properties, such as a defined emission wavelength and reduced quenching as compared to other fluorophores.  Since QD technology is relatively new, several aspects of the nature of this technology are unknown.  Currently, the concentrations of QD solutions are determined using absorbance measurements and applying Beer’s Law.  After QDs are functionalized with biological material, there is no way to determine if the spectroscopic properties have changed. The fluorescence of QD’s and their conjugates were studied using a fluorometer.  We also used Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) to determine concentration of QDs after functionalization with biological materials.

The curriculum I have written introduces students to nanotechnology and nanoparticles. The students will have an opportunity to learn about different types of spectroscopy that are being used. They will also study these nanoparticles in relation to current cancer research.