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Histone mimetic delivery systems
Biomimetic materials capable of regulating DNA accessibility provide a novel approach to DNA delivery. The histone H3 tail, trimethylated at lysine 4 by nucleosome remodeling factors, has been implicated in mechanisms for chromatin activation. Our research examines H3 tail peptides both with and without a trimethylated K4 for their potential as gene delivery materials ... Read more>> |
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ECM fragment-targeted delivery vehicles
Collagens have been employed extensively for tissue regeneration and wound healing applications owing to their compatibility and bioactivity. However, natural collagen remodeling processes have not been exploited to improve therapeutic efficacy of factors immobilized in collagen scaffolds, despite the potential utility of such strategies in targeted delivery. We will employ collagen-mimetic peptides (CMPs) in concert with DNA-binding peptides/polymers (DBPs) to engineer polyplex-modified collagen scaffolds capable of efficient gene delivery to cells involved in tissue repair... Read more>> |
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Surface-mediated delivery systems
Incorporation of DNA onto biomaterial scaffolds may avoid the limitations associated with bolus delivery of cationic polymer-complexed DNA. These scaffolds have the potential to increase cell transfection by maintaining a high concentration of DNA in the cellular microenvironment. Surface immobilization of DNA also allows spatial targeting of cells ... Read more>> |
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Nucleic acid nanoconjugates
The development of targeted, efficient, and safe methods for RNA delivery is widely considered the limiting factor towards its effective therapeutic implementation. A major challenge to in vivo RNA delivery has been the development of materials that can overcome intra- and extra- cellular barriers while remaining simple from the standpoint of formulation and clinical administration. Our specific goal is to create siRNA delivery conjugates containing protective and targeting features as well as components that enable their “bedside” formulation ... Read more>> |
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Peptide-functionalized polymer assemblies
Bio-responsive, polymeric nanocontainers may be useful for addressing concerns with inefficient drug delivery, transport across biological barriers and non-ideal serum-stability associated with many drug delivery methods. We are investigating the effects of solution conditions on block copolymer self-assembly, providing a variety of hybrid nanostructures ideally suited for the development of biomedical delivery agents ... Read more>> |
