Research
Magnetic Nanoghosts as Smart Bait for Drug Screening
The drug screening project aims to identify compounds specifically bound to transmembrane targets, such as receptors or ion channels from complexed sources (e.g. plant extracts, phage-displayed peptides, and synthetic small molecules). The specific applications focus on neurodegenerative diseases, cancer metastasis, and chronic pain management. This nanoplatform consists of cell membranes with functional receptors (receptors of interest based on specific targets) encapsulating magnetic superparticles. The cell membranes with functional receptors allow for identification of compounds specifically binding to the transmembrane receptors. The use of magnetic superparticles enables rapid identification and extraction of compounds targeting the immobilized transmembrane receptors. The full encapsulation of magnetic nanoclusters inside cell membranes overcomes the non-specific binding problems associated with the current magnetic beads separation technology.
Imaging-guided drug delivery
With all the advancement in nanomaterials, studies have shown that only < 1% nanocarriers could reach the tumor sites due to rapid immune system clearance and limited access by biological barriers. As a result, nanocarrier treatment has only modestly improved the patient overall survivals. To overcome the biological constrains, innovative strategies must be incorporated with rationally designed surfaces. With this goal in mind, we have developed novel systems that is ultrasound responsive and MRI visible nanocarriers for cancer treatment and neural modulation. The responsive nature and long blood circulation ability of the nanoclusters lie to their size design and formation of the structures.
Shape-controlled magnetic nanoparticles
Shape control is one of the most exciting aspects of the nanoparticle synthesis, which allows manipulating the chemical and physical properties of nanomaterials. Iron oxide nanoparticles with various shapes were synthesized using a modified “heat-up” method. The shapes of the iron oxide nanoparticles directly affect their magnetic properties, such as ferromagnetic nanoworms, superparamagnetic nanocubes, paramagnetic/superparamagnetic mixed nanoplates and ultrathin nanowires.
Fluorescent metallic nanoclusters and bifunctional nanoparticles
Au fluorescent nanoclusters represent a new class of fluorescent tags, which have several advantages over others, such as aqueous synthesis, low potential in vivo toxicity, tumor imaging capability, and minimal effects on the biological function of the labeled bioentities. The protein-encapsulated Au nanoclusters are particularly attractive because of their biocompatibility and easy conjugation. The integration of fluorescent nanoclusters and iron oxide nanoparticles will not only lead to a new type of bifunctional nanoparticles, but also open up a number of opportunities in simultaneous imaging and therapy.
Development of highly efficient MRI contrast agent
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers a powerful, non-invasive tool for brain tumor imaging, personalized medicine, and therapy monitoring. The use of contrast agents significantly enhances the image contrasts, yielding better resolution. T1 positive contrast agents are mainly paramagnetic Gadolinium (Gd) complexes, which shorten the longitudinal relaxation time (T1) and generate a brighter image. T2 negative contrast agents, primarily superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs), produce a darker image by shortening the transverse relaxation time (T2). T1 contrast agent is clinically preferred because of the higher resolution. Here, we are developing a new type of T1 MRI contrast agent based on ultrathin iron oxide nanowires. Here, using iron oxide nanoparticles of different shapes, we are to understand the importance of particular shapes.
Development of functional nanoparticle platform for neuroblastoma targeting
Specific targeting is a key step to realize the full potential of iron oxide nanoparticles in biomedical applications, especially tumor-associated diagnosis and therapy. In collaboration with Prof. Mario Otto at University of Wisconsin-Madison, anti-GD2 antibody conjugated iron oxide nanoparticles were developed for highly efficient neuroblastoma cell targeting.
Fe-flavonoid complex nanoparticles.
Much of Dr. Bao’s work is related to the design of nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery, including multifunctional nanocarriers for overcoming drug resistance and directed stem cell differentiation. One of the unique aspect of the nanocarrier design is the use of natural products, such as flavonoids. In addition, the use of Fe complex allows for MRI tracking.