About

As part of the Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Biology and Medicinal Science (MNiMBS), we are studying biological interfaces and drug delivery systems as they relate to chemotherapy treatments for breast, colon, and lung cancer. The role of multivalent interactions in targeting nanoparticles directly to the tumors is of particular interest (Chemistry and Biology 2007, 14, 107-115). We are exploring the interaction of modified polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers with model surfaces (such as glass and also exploring how morphology changes of cells, the apoptotic volume decrease or AVD, is related to the process of programmed cell death (Langmuir 2005, 21, 9280-9286).Our work with our colleagues in MNiMBS made us aware of the complex interactions that nanoparticles could have with biological systems. We are now exploring this question in detail having discovered that nanoparticles are capable of inducing nanoscale hole formation in cell membranes (Bioconjugate Chemistry 2004, 15, 774-782 and 2006, 17, 728-734).

The talented scientists working in the group have diverse professional backgrounds and interests. Given the interdisciplinary nature of the research projects, the differing perspectives of all subdisciplines of chemistry, as well as the fields of Physics, Applied Physics, Biophysics, and Macromolecular Science and Engineering are extremely valuable to the overall group dynamic.