“Enhancement of Bonding to Enamel and Dentin Prepared by Er.Cr.YSGG Laser”
The aim of this study is to compare the bond strengths of composite bonded to laser prepared enamel and dentin surfaces with and without extra surface modification. Although there are some studies reported in this regards but there is still no solution or standard protocol have been described for practitioners to follow to enhance bonding of composite filling material to laser prepared tooth. The result of this study may help to modify the current laser cavity preparation techniques or to develop a new technique or protocol to enhance bonding quality to tooth structure.
Jaesook Park
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX
Supporting ASLMS Member
James W. Tunnell, Ph.D.
“Two-Photon Induced Photoluminescence Imaging of Cancers Using Gold Nanoshells”
Specific Aim 1- Optimize imaging system to identify accumulations of GNSs in solid tumors. We will develop a new two-photon microscope (TPM) to monitor not only GNS luminescence but also cellular physiology (i.e. stained blood vessels and cellular micro-architecture), combining TPM and light microscope (LM). In order to construct high resolution images with an unlimited field of view (FOV), motorized x-y scanning microscope stage will be added to our TPM and image mosaicing technique will be used. Luminescence images from TPM and standard microscope images from LM will be co-registered to illustrate GNS accumulation as well as surrounding cellular structures in detail.
Specific Aim 2- Compare the accumulation of GNSs which have different sizes, shapes and targeting molecules (vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in an animal model.
Narasimhan Rajaram, B.Eng.
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX
Supporting ASLMS Member
James W. Tunnell, Ph.D.
“Effect of Pigment Packaging on Diffuse Reflectance Measurements from Tissue”
The objective of this research project is to develop a model that will account for the effect of pigment packaging on spectrally resolved steady state diffuse reflectance measurements from tissue. To accomplish this objective, we adopt the following specific aims:1. Numerical validation of hypothesis. We will develop a Monte Carlo model of light tissue interaction and compare the diffuse reflectance for two distributions of chromophores: 1) homogeneous and 2) confined to blood vessels. This aim will present preliminary proof of the effect of pigment packaging. 2. In vitro validation. We will study the effect of varying blood vessel size and blood concentration using tissue-simulating phantoms. These phantoms will consist of layered microfluidic channels to mimic capillary beds. The size of the microfluidic channels will be comparable to that of actual blood vessels in tissue. In addition, we will also analyze changes that result from the depth at which the channels exist.
3. Clinical feasibility study. We will develop a mathematical model (or) expression based on the results of Aim 2 that will correct for the distribution of blood in tissue. We will implement the correction parameter in an inverse model that recovers tissue optical properties. This inverse model is being used in an ongoing clinical feasibility study (IRB approved) to estimate the accuracy of spectral diagnosis of cutaneous malignancy.
