ND Fluorescence Imaging

Student: Munachimso Anachebe, 2021-2022

Sponsor: Dr. Bradley Smith, Notre Dame, Indiana

At the University of Notre Dame, Dr. Bradley Smith’s laboratory created a chemical analog of a fluorescent dye called ICG, which is commonly used in medical imaging and diagnostics. The laboratory discovered that the new ICG analog is more stable than the original fluorophore in solution and provides brighter images. Switching to the new ICG analog will improve patient treatment efficiency and economics. The ESTEEM capstone project will help the laboratory by creating a commercialization plan for the new ICG analog. The project involves meeting with potential stakeholders to assess the value that the ICG analog can create for them. It also requires a market analysis of the original ICG fluorophore to determine the potential of the new analog. The information collected will be summarized to present to possible investors and companies that specialize in the manufacturing or distribution of fluorescent dyes. The goal is to gain funding to begin clinical trials for the new ICG analog.