The potential benefits of integrating nanomaterials with properties such as biodegradability,
magnetization, fluorescence, and near-infrared absorption into a single object of nanoscale
dimensions can lead to the development of hybrid nano-medical platforms for simultaneous
targeting, imaging, and combination therapy administration. We are developing hybrid
nanoparticle (NP) systems such as hybrids of polymeric–gold nanoparticle and
polymeric–iron oxide hybrid nanoparticle for their potential use in combination therapy of
cancer and image-guided therapy of atherothrombotic vascular disease (ATVD), respectively.
Mitochondrial dysfunctions cause many human disorders. A platform technology of
carrying bioactive molecules to the mitochondrial matrix could be of enormous potential
benefit in therapeutics. We are developing a rationally designed mitochondria-targeted NP
system and its optimization for efficient delivery of a variety of mitochondria-acting
therapeutics by blending a targeted poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid)-b-poly(ethylene
glycol)-triphenylphosphonium (PLGA-b-PEG-TPP) polymer with either non-targeted
PLGA-b-PEG-OH or PLGA-COOH. On the cardiovascular front, we are developing a long-circulating hybrid NP platform to
selectively target macrophages and sense apoptosis for detection of plaque vulnerable to
embolism. Apoptosis of cells along the arterial wall serves as a target for detection of plaque
vulnerable to embolism. In this context, to detect atherosclerotic plaques noninvasively, we
are developing MRI active NPs which can selectively target macrophages in the arteries and
detect apoptotic cells with altered or compromised membranes. These highly engineered
NPs include iron oxide in the core of a polymeric matrix for MRI detection, mannose for
macrophage targeting, apoptotic cell targeting peptides, and a metal binding site for
effective detection. The utility of these NPs in the diagnosis of atherosclerosis will be
discussed.
https://mediaspace.gatech.edu/media/dhar/1_g4m4g6cb
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