We are synthesizing dye-incorporated and surface-modified silica-based nanoparticles for potential use in imaging of tumor tissues and for studying metabolic effects of nanoparticles on cells. Chemistry for this project includes dye networking to silica matrices and linking polypeptides to silica surfaces. Physical studies include photophysics and transmission electron microscopy. The work is in collaboration with Professors Ellen Silbergeld and Tomas Guilarte of the JHU School of Public Health, Ronald Mease of the Medical School, and Professor Scott Sibley of Goucher College.