The union between nanotechnology and small molecule chemistry can facilitate development of a wide range of nanomaterials for biomedical applications as diagnostic and therapeutic agents. As a goal of our research we are developing nanoparticle conjugated libraries of N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-retinamides (4-HPR) and utilizing it as therapeutic and diagnostic agents for brain tumors, especially focusing on rhabdoid tumors. The basic objective of our research is to use nanoscience and nanotechnology in chemical biology, for drug discovery and development. Nanotechnology has potential application in brain tumor research. The main hurdle to develop and discover new therapeutic agents and diagnostic agents for brain tumor is the Blood Brain Barrier (BBB). Often a therapeutic agent or diagnostic small molecule that is effective in vitro is not efficacious in vivo partly because of its inability to cross BBB. It is possible to overcome this difficulty by use of nanoparticle based molecular agents. By combining medicinal chemistry and nanotechnology to synthesize small molecular weight therapeutic agents conjugated to nanoparticles can greatly facilitate the study the biology, diagnostic and therapeutic intervention of brain tumors.

I will describe the Chemical Synthesis and analysis of nanoparticle conjugated 4-HPR and other derivatives of 4-HPR compound libraries, Screening of nanoparticle libraries to test their effect on rhabdoid cell lines. The in vitro and in vivo studies of lead nanoparticles to assess their biodistribution, efficacy and use of microPET for diagnosis using genetically engineered rhabdoid tumor models.