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Mingfeng Bai

Research Focus

  • Development of targeted optical molecular probes
  • Photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer, infection and inflammation
  • Fluorescence imaging-guided surgery using near infrared (NIR) fluorescent probes

 Projects

The goal of our laboratory is to develop and evaluate new molecular probes for diagnostic imaging and therapy, particularly fluorescence imaging agents and photosensitizers (PSs) with the ultimate goal of moving our basic science discoveries to the clinic.

Fluorescence imaging is a powerful technique for location of tumors and identification of tumor margins in the clinic. It is also often used to label specific proteins to study the precise role of these proteins in the regulation of physiological activities and diseases. The success of such applications largely depends on highly sensitive and specific fluorescent probes, which we are interested in developing and evaluating (in vitro and in vivo) in our lab.

Another aspect of our research is to synthesize NIR PSs for PDT in a target-specific, minimally invasive, and highly controllable manner. Because PSs only produce phototoxicity in the irradiated area, PDT treatment avoids systemic toxicity. In addition, the intrinsic fluorescence of PS allows for fluorescence imaging-guided therapy, offering PDT a desired "see and treat" approach. Targeted NIR PSs have great potential to treat tumors with high efficacy and low side effects, as well as providing fluorescence imaging guidance with high contrast.

Lab Members

  Name Email Research
  Yang Liu yang.liu
  • PDT of ovarian cancer
  • Using PDT to overcome chemoresistance
Meng Su Meng Su meng.su
  • Development of targeted PDT and fluorescent probes
  Jing Cui jing.cui
  • PDT of melanoma
  Dawei Zhang dawei.zhang
  • PDT of pancreatic cancer
  Zhen Li zhen.li
  • PDT of gastric cancer peritoneal metastasis 

Openings

Position Description
Residents, students, and Visiting Scholar

The Vanderbilt Biophotonics Center is seeking residents, students and visiting scholars in the area of biomedical research. The primary objective of this project is to use biophotonic techniques (PDT and imaging-guided surgery) to address clinical challenges and needs.