Nanocarrier Systems for the Delivery of Drugs and Contrast Agents to Tumors


Nanocarriers for the Enhanced Treatment of Multidrug Resistant Cancers

Development and in vitro/in vivo evaluation of nano- and microparticulate drug carriers and drug delivery strategies for the enhanced treatment of multidrug resistant (MDR) and metastatic cancers. We are investigating novel drug combination formulations for targeted and locoregional delivery of anticancer drugs, therapeutic genes, polypeptides and proteins. We have demonstrated much higher cytotoxicity and therapeutic efficacy by using these delivery systems and combinations. We are also exploiting innovative delivery technologies and delivery routes for increased therapeutic effects, reduced systemic toxicity, and improved quality of life of cancer patients. Our current project focuses on improving chemotherapy of MDR and metastatic breast cancer. 

Mol. Pharmaceutics 2014, 11(8):2659-2674
Cancer Letters 2013, 334(2):263-273
Eur. J. Pharm. Biopharm 2013, 82(3):587-597

Polymeric Nanocarriers for the Delivery of Drugs and Imaging Agents to the Brain

Development and in vitro/in vivo evaluation of polymeric nanocarrier systems for the delivery of drugs and imaging agents across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and into the brain. We have demonstrated nano-particle entry into the healthy brain, and further demonstrated delivery of doxorubicin to brain metastases of breast cancer. 

ACS Nano 2014, 8(10):9925-9940

Modulation of Solid Tumor Microenvironment using Albumin-MnO2 Nanoparticles

The solid tumor micro-environment is typically characterized by hypoxia, acidosis, and elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These micro-environment features promote tumor aggressiveness, metastasis, and resistance to therapies. We have developed and characterized a multifunctional bioinorganic nanoparticle system composed of polyelectrolyte-albumin complex loaded with MnO2 (A-MnO2 NPs). We demonstrate that A-MnO2 NPs simultaneously increase tumor oxygenation and increase tumor pH by quenching H2O2 reactive oxygen species, resulting in the down-regulation of two major regulators in tumor progression and aggressiveness: hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Combination treatment of the tumors with NPs and ionizing radiation significantly inhibited breast tumor growth, increased DNA double strand breaks and cancer cell death as compared to radiation therapy alone.

ACS Nano 2014, 8(4):3202-3212
Adv. Funct. Mater. 2015, 25(12):1858-1872

In vivo tumor Imaging

Development of novel nanocarrier fluorophores and magnetic resonance contrast agents for in vivo imaging of tumors.

Journal of Controlled Release 2013, 167(1):11-20
ACS Nano 2011, 5(3):1958-1966