Eric Bachelder, Tristan Beaudette, Kyle Broaders, Sergey Paramonov, Jessica Cohen, Joel Cohen, Jesse Dashe

We are interested in developing compounds to be used in the synthesis of degradable micro- and nano-scale polymer particles applicable to biomedical modalities ranging from imaging to drug delivery to immunotherapy. The interior of the synthesized particles may encapsulate imaging agents, drugs, DNA/RNA, proteins, etc., while the external surface may be functionalized with targeting/stimulatory ligands, reporting agents, and/or surface charge enhancers. Using a polyacrylamide-based system, we are synthesizing acid-labile cross-linking reagents that enable fine-tuning of the degradation rate of the particles based on the pH of the biological environment. In addition, we are interested in exploring new degradation methods such as infrared irradiation, as well as improved techniques for the synthesis of the particles themselves.

Among the applications we are currently investigating, we have demonstrated the ability to deliver our acid-labile particles to antigen presenting cells of the immune system in an effort to specifically enhance the stimulation of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes against antigens encapsulated within the particles. In this vein, we are interested in applying our degradable particles towards the development of prophylactic or therapeutic immune-system-mediated treatements for cancer.

Areas of focus:

• Cancer immunotherapy
• Gene delivery
• New materials for delivery vehicles