Melinda Higgins
The Harpeth Hall School
Chemistry, Biology 

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

The Giorgio lab is studying multifunctional nanoparticles in imaging, proteolytic activation and recognition. The research encompasses different nanoparticles, but my work involved quantum dots

( QD). 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. Last year I worked on finding an optimal method for detection of functionalized QDs. Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS) is a novel viable alternative for the detection of these functionalized particles because of ability to use nanoMolar concentrations as well as elimination of quenching concerns posed by studies with fluorescence.   My research focus this year involved integration of breast cancer cells with quantum dots functionalized with Folic Acid and detection of the metal isotopes that comprise the core of the QD. In order to detect concentrations similar to those in a spiked sample with a specific concentration, various solvents and methods were used to disrupt the cell membrane and liberate the functionalized quantum dots.  

The curriculum created this year involves the study of the periodic table and its trends. From the study of these trends students will be able to predict properties, discern differences in structures and correlate structure with function. Toxicity will be studied on both the macro scale with lead and the nanoscale with various nanoparticles. Cellular function will be studied in terms of lead poisoning and nanotoxicity.