ABOUT OUR RESEARCH
Our research focuses on leveraging biological membranes coated onto synthetic nanoparticle cores (synthesis depicted below) for the design of novel nanotherapeutics. These new biomimetic nanoparticles can be used to address many different medical problems, and my research specifically focuses three applications, including immunoengineering, nanodetoxification, and bio-interfacing/targeted delivery.
I) Immunoengineering
Nanoparticle technology offers exciting new prospects in the field of vaccine development. By designing the particles to carry both antigenic material as well as strong immunological adjuvants, it is possible to vaccine formulations capable of effecting diverse immune responses, including against cancer cells and bacterial toxins. Additionally, their small size allows for more efficient transport to lymphoid organs where the payloads can effect the maximal immune responses.
II) Nanodetoxification
Biomimetic nanoparticles coated in cell membranes retain all of the surface moieties present on the original cells. By taking advantage of the natural interactions that occur between many toxic molecules and compounds with cell membrane, biomimetic nanoparticles can act as effective decoys that bind and divert toxins away from their intended targets.
III) Biointerfacing and targeted delivery
Cell membranes have evolved over millions of years to perform specific functions, including site-specific binding and biological interfacing. By employing different types of cell membranes, it is possible to take advantage of the natural affinity and interactions exhibited by these cells to modulate particle localization.
Nanoparticle technology offers exciting new prospects in the field of vaccine development. By designing the particles to carry both antigenic material as well as strong immunological adjuvants, it is possible to vaccine formulations capable of effecting diverse immune responses, including against cancer cells and bacterial toxins. Additionally, their small size allows for more efficient transport to lymphoid organs where the payloads can effect the maximal immune responses.
II) Nanodetoxification
Biomimetic nanoparticles coated in cell membranes retain all of the surface moieties present on the original cells. By taking advantage of the natural interactions that occur between many toxic molecules and compounds with cell membrane, biomimetic nanoparticles can act as effective decoys that bind and divert toxins away from their intended targets.
III) Biointerfacing and targeted delivery
Cell membranes have evolved over millions of years to perform specific functions, including site-specific binding and biological interfacing. By employing different types of cell membranes, it is possible to take advantage of the natural affinity and interactions exhibited by these cells to modulate particle localization.