Multifunctional liposomes for advanced
diagnostics and therapy
Liposomes, which
consist of a phospholipid bilayer membrane surrounding a spherical aqueous
core, have for the last decade been the preeminent vehicle for delivering
drugs to targeted regions within the body. In our laboratory we work on
the next generation of liposomes - "smart" assemblies of biological
molecules and nanoparticles that can perform multiple diagnostic and
therapeutic functions. For example, magnetoliposomes contain magnetic
nanoparticles for MRI imaging and hyperthermia, while lipoplexes contain
nucleic acids for gene therapy. In this project, novel liposomes will be
synthesized containing synthetic peptides and the effect of the peptides
(e.g. concentration, molecular formula, and charge) on liposome
morphology, phase transition behavior, and permeability will be examined.
Students working in our group will be exposed to collaborative research
with BPS Professor Keykavous Parang and trained in basic laboratory
procedures as well as advanced spectroscopic, calorimetric, and microscopy
techniques.
