Emerging Technology and Best Practices Seminar Series

Nanotechnology in Medicine: From Diagnostics to Therapeutics

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ADVANCES IN NANOTECHNOLOGY FOR DRUG AND GENE DELIVERY

Mansoor M. Amiji, PhD

Professor and Associate Department Chairman
Co-Director, Nanomedicine Education and Research Consortium (NERC)
Northeastern University
Boston, MA

There has been tremendous recent interest in nanotechnology application for disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. In cancer therapy, for instance, overcoming biological barriers and target specific delivery are the key challenges. Furthermore, newer generation of molecular therapies, such as gene therapy oligonucleotides, and RNA interference, will require intracellular delivery strategies for effective outcomes.

In this presentation, I will provide an overview of our work in nanotechnology for target specific delivery of drugs and genes. We have developed polymer-, lipid-, and metal-based nano-platforms for delivery of therapeutics and image contrast agents. Using biodegradable polymers, we have formulated nanocarriers for systemic delivery of hydrophobic anticancer drugs and therapeutic genes. Additionally, we have developed nanoemulsions, using oils rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which can facilitate drug delivery across different biological barriers, such as the blood-brain barrier. Lastly, metal nanoparticles, primarily based on gold and iron oxide allow for cellular tracking, imaging, and delivery potential.