Category: PhD Projects

Visualization and Enhancement of Spinal Cord Regeneration using Nanoparticles Student: Sucharita Saha Department: Biology Advisor: Donald O’Malley Abstract The goal of this project is to employ functionalized nanoparticles to evaluate the feasibility of delivering DNA- or RNA-functionalized nanoparticles to brainstem neurons damaged in spinal cord injury. We will visualize the expression of exogenous neural repair…

Using Nanoparticles to Analyze Key Immune System Molecules in Embryonic Stem Cells Student: Paula Lampton Department: Biology Advisor: Carol Warner Abstract The goal of my IGERT thesis project is to characterize the expression and localization of MHC class I molecules in embryonic stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent cells capable of unlimited self renewal…

Use of nanotechnology for imaging of cell surface oligosaccharides for early diagnosis of cancer Student: Agnes Rafalko Department: Chemistry Advisor: William Hancock Abstract Glycosylation is one of the most common post-translational modifications for human and other eukaryotic proteins and is required for many proteins to fold to the correct 3-dimensional structure and thus achieve full…

Understanding optical properties of nanoparticles towards application with biospecific markers for pre-cancer detection Student: Yogesh G Patel Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering Advisor: Charles Di Marzio Abstract Among skin malignancies, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common, occurring at an estimated rate of 800,000 cases in the United States every year costing $500 million/year….

Tumor Hypoxia, the Warburg Effect, and Multidrug Resistance: Modulation of Hypoxia Induced MDR Using EGFR Targeted Polymer Blend Nanocarriers for Combination Paclitaxel/Lonidamine Therapy Student: Lara Milane Department: Pharmaceutical Sciences Advisor: Mansoor Amiji Abstract The clinical focus of Lara’s work is Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) cancer. MDR cancer is most often implicated in cases of recurrent, non-responsive…

The Mechanosensitivity of Type I Collagen to MMP Cleavage Student: Robert Camp Department: Mechanical & Industrial Engineering Advisor: Jeffrey Ruberti Abstract In general, the goal will be to quantify collagen’s mechanosensitivity to enzymatic cleavage by MMPs. Data such as the time to cleavage as a function of mechanical load, enzyme bonding, and cleavage force kinetics…

The Development of Fluorescent Glucose Nanosensors For In Vivo Glucose Monitoring Student: Kate Balaconis Department: Bioengineering Advisor: Heather Clark Abstract My project is the development and in vivo testing of fluorescent nanosensors for glucose monitoring. These nanosensors will provide a minimally-invasive method for monitoring glucose levels in diabetes. In our proposed system, the sensors will…

Targeted Nanocarriers Student: Tatyana Chernenko Department: Chemistry Advisor: Max Diem Abstract Non-invasive imaging techniques, such as Raman micro-spectral biochemical imaging techniques have been gaining recognition in the field of pharmaceutical research. It has the potential to provide not only the topographical sample information, but also morphological, biochemical data of a sample. We have applied this…

Targeted eNOS Gene Delivery with Lipopolyplexes for the Treatment of Coronary Restenosis Student: Luis Brito Department: Pharmaceutical Sciences Advisor: Mansoor Amiji Abstract The main thrust of this research is to develop gene therapy strategy using safe and effective non-viral vectors for local production of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) on arterial wall. Local eNOS production…

Targeted Delivery of a Mitochondriotropic Apoptosis Modulator Using Multifunctional Polymeric Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Drug Resistant Tumors Student: Lara Milane Department: Pharmaceutical Sciences Advisor: Mansoor Amiji Abstract Mitochondria are well recognized as the central organelles of energy production and the apoptotic pathway. Mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to the pathogenesis of a multitude of conditions including…