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Targeted Therapeutic Nanoparticles
Often, the ubiquitous presence of drugs results in undesireable side effects. In collaboration with Dr. Teruna Siahaan in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Dr. Irina Smirnova in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science at the University of Kansas Medical Center, and Dr. Mehmet Bilgen in the Hoglund Brain Imaging Center at the University of Kansas Medical Center, we are investigating the utility of nanoparticles targeted to cell adhesion molecules for the treatment of diseases such as cancer and diabetes by delivering traditional small molecule drugs or genetic material.
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Engineered Particles
Particle size and surface chemisty are the primary determinants governing the biodistribution of particulate drug delivery vehicles. We are designing processes to control these attributes for particles ranging from the nano- to the micro-scale. For example, we are tailoring particle size and morphology for improved lung deposition of dry powders and passivating the nanoparticle surface for extended circulation. We are also elucidating particle properties for triggering and modulating immune responses during vaccine delivery.
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Engineered Tissues
Successful creation of replacement tissues generated in vitro or in situ typically requires careful construction of a scaffold to guide and signal tissue growth. In collaboration with Dr. Michael Detamore in Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, we are creating scaffolds for replacing tissue in the transmandibular joint. Another collaboration with Dr. Lisa Stehno-Bittel, Chair of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science at the University of Kansas Medical Center, probes the usefulness of precision scaffolds for generating improved islet transplant outcomes for patients suffering from severe diabetes.
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Nanoparticle Bioimaging
Guiding a drug to the correct tissue or even to the targeted cell is not the end of the story. We are asking questions about the role of surface chemistry in nanoparticle biodistribution and pharmacokinetics. We are also interested in examining how nanoparticles targeted to cell adhesion molecules distribute in vivo.
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