Project Title:

Nanoparticulate cellular delivery system: characterization of uptake and internalization

Research Professor Ales Prokop

Brief Description of Project:

The positively charged polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) suspension has been shown to be a versatile, nanoparticulate system that retains ideal dimensions for subcellular transport. This project is focused on the characterization of PEC dispersions as created by ultrasonic dispergation and derivatization of their surfaces by a targeting ligand. The ultimate goal is development of a targeted drug and gene delivery system. Studies will investigate colloidal stability under physiologic conditions and will quantify peptide-enhanced cell association and internalization. Fluorescent-activated cell sorting FACS analysis will be used to demonstrate the uptake and internalization of vehicles with a bioactive peptide covalently coupled to the nanoparticle surface. In vitro binding and uptake kinetics will be measured for active and passive PEC targeting of vascular endothelial cells by FACS. Fluorescent labels and various imaging modalities will be used to trace nanoparticle and ligand biodistribution in vivo.

Nature of Supervision:

Graduate Student; some medical faculty and research fellows will be also involved

A Brief Research Plan (period is for 10 weeks):

Summer scholars will be engaged in any of the following projects based on interest and skill set: Characterization and refinement of ligand-modified-nanoparticle; In vitro FACS testing; In vivo testing and imaging; Surface modification to incorporate a fluorescent dye.

Number of Open Slots:

1

Contact Information: