Erin Glenn, Physics Senior Project

Erin Glenn, Physics Senior Project Erin Glenn, BA in Physics 1999

Action Spectrum of Light-enhanced Merocyanine 540 Uptake in Leukemia Cells

The uptake of merocyanine 540 in leukemia cells is enhanced by the presence of light. The mechanism of light-enhancement is not known. The selectivity of the dye for leukemia cells is also not known. Erin will produce an action spectrum of merocyanine dye uptake in leukemia cells in the visible spectrum. The results of this project will help to identify the uptake mechanism. Erin will also measure the oxygen consumption during light-enhanced binding to help determine whether singlet oxygen is involved.