Aranit Harizaj

Contact

Laboratory for General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy
Ghent University
Ottergemsesteenweg 460
9000 Gent
Belgium
Tel: 0032 9 264 80 47 (secretary)
Tel: 0032 9 264 80 95 (direct)
Fax: 0032 9 2648189
E-mail: Aranit.Harizaj@UGent.be

Biography

Education:

Aranit obtained his degree in the Biomedical Sciences at the Ghent University with great distinction. He did the major medical radiation physics and successfully completed his dissertation, entitled ‘Study of the MicroDiamond detector for experimental dosimetry in the radiotherapy with special focus on small field dosimetry’, in association with the UZ Ghent. In August 2016, he started his PhD in the lab of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy.

Scholarship:

Funding by BOF through an Interdisciplinary Research Project

Summary of Research Project(s)

In vivo imaging of dendritic cells (DCs) is of crucial importance for their usage as an anti-tumor vaccine. Next to the use of imaging techniques that rely on harmful ionizing radiation, optical imaging can provide complementary information as well. However, inefficient penetration of light into tissue and autofluorescence limits the use of fluorescent contrast agents.1 The persistent luminescent material LiGa5O8:Cr3+ (LGO), with near-infrared (NIR) emission, offers an interesting alternative approach. Indeed, NIR has the capacity to penetrate tissue over a distance of centimeters. Moreover, there is no need for in vivo excitation which eliminates the drawback of autofluorescence. Following the administration of LGO in DCs, we aim to visualize DC migration near the superficially located lymph nodes. The ultimate goal is to generate bio-compatible LGO nanoparticles for high-contrast in vivo cell imaging.