Mubin Tarannum

Chemistry DESIGNING AND SYNTHESIS OF MESOPOROUS SILICANANOPARTICLES (MSNS) FOR TARGETED DRUG DELIVERY TOWARDS PANCREATIC TUMORS

Research Description: Designing and Synthesis of Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles (MSNs) for Targeted Drug Delivery Towards Pancreatic Tumors

Research Group: Vivero-Escoto Group

Previous Degree: Masters in Nanoengineering, JSNN (NCAT)

Dissertation Defense

“Development of Nanoparticle-based Approaches for the Treatment and Imaging of Pancreatic Cancer”

Doctoral Advisor: Dr. Juan Vivero-Escoto

Abstract:

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the fourth-leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the USA. The poor prognosis of PDAC can be attributed to multifactorial reasons such as late diagnosis, resistance to therapies, and desmoplastic stroma. Hence, it is imperative to focus on improved methods for the detection and treatment of PDAC. Nanoparticle-based approaches are promising alternatives owing to their outstanding properties. Herein, we report novel nanoparticle-based modalities to address some of the drawbacks associated with current PDAC therapy. We synthesized a target-specific nanoparticle for the co-delivery of two chemotherapy drugs, gemcitabine and cisplatin. We further designed a tumor-stroma modulation therapy to deliver sonic hedgehog inhibitor, cyclopamine. Finally, we investigated the potential application of target specific nanoparticles for imaging and early detection of PDAC. The encouraging results obtained provide evidence for successful multi-modal applications

Date: March 5, 2020