Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program
NANOCARRIERS FOR SITE-SPECIFIC DELIVERY OF THERAPEUTICS
Our research focuses on delivery of therapeutic compounds to specific disease sites, to increase the effectiveness of these agents and minimize their side-effects. To accomplish this objective, cells are targeted with carrier particles below the micrometer size range that are able to recognize diseased cells and then use endocytic pathways, natural processes where cells engulf substances in their outer membrane and then bring the surrounded materials into their interior. The rotation work will focus on getting some experimental insight into basic aspects of this concept, including preparation and characterization of targeted polymer nanocarriers, and evaluation of their ability to target human cells. Methods will include dynamic light scattering, cell culture, fluorescence microscopy, and imaging analysis.
Learn About Another Project:
Return to the Projects page »
Return to the REU homepage »
