Nanomedicine Commons^™

Enhancing Topical Drug Delivery Of Apremilast Through Niosomal Gel Formulation: Ex Vivo Skin Permeation And In Vivo Evaluation For Psoriasis, Megha Shyam Matlapudi, Anka Rao Areti, Yukti Jaiswal, Veeresh Bantal, Raghavender Medishetti

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: Psoriasis is a dynamic and chronic disease characterized by inflammatory changes and an increased rate of keratinocyte proliferation leading to the formation of erythematous scleroderma plaques with a silvery sheen. The existing therapies come with shortcomings in terms of effectiveness and leave behind a trail of side effects. Hence, there is a need of alternative therapeutic measures. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the therapeutic potential of Apremilast Niosomal Gel (APR Nio Gel) in treating psoriasis, comparing its effectiveness with conventional gel (APR Gel) and oral suspension (APR Oral) formulations. Materials and Methods: Apremilast niosomes were prepared by thin …

Smart Hydrogels For Infection Control, Varaprasad Kokkarachedu, Matías Araneda Cistemas, Nicolás Nicolás Valdés Gangas

Research Symposium

Background: Infection control is a critical area of concern in healthcare, mainly owing to the rising incidence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Traditional antibacterial agents often face challenges, such as limited efficacy, toxicity, and the potential for resistance development. This necessitates innovative approaches to combat infections. Hydrogels are biocompatible hydrophilic polymeric materials that can deliver nanomedicines with complications. They have emerged as promising candidates for infection control applications. Incorporating nanotoxicity nanomaterials, especially curcumin-layered silver nanoparticles, significantly enhances the antibacterial properties of hydrogels, making them promising candidates for infection control applications.

Methods: The smart antimicrobial hydrogels were synthesised from Poluronic and curcumin-layered polyvinylpyrrolidone/silver …

Reconstitution Of Mirna-205 In Docetaxel Resistant Prostate Cancer Cells: A Nanotherapeutic Approach, Neeraj Chauhan, Eswara Naga Hanuma Kumar Ghali, Rahul Tiwari, Iris Enriquez, Rajasekhar Baru, Subhash C. Chauhan, Murali M. Yallapu

Research Symposium

Background: Prostate cancer (PrCa) is the second most diagnosed cancer and cause of death in men globally. Docetaxel (Dtxl) based first line chemotherapy is the main available therapeutic choice for PrCa patients. However, most (almost all) patients develop resistance to Dtxl treatment, making it difficult to treat such patients with no effective adjuvant therapy. Although cabazitaxel may be used to treat these patients, it is associated with many severe side effects including low white blood cells and allergic reactions. Therefore, finding an alternative strategy to reduce Dtxl resistance is of high importance for treating PrCa. miR-205 is a widely studied …

In Vivo Evaluation Of Novel Nanoparticles And Repurposed Pharmaceuticals To Combat Antimicrobial Resistance, Sarah E. Evans

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

In a 2019 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), infections resistant to antibiotic treatment amount to about three million infections and 48,000 deaths. Antimicrobial resistance is an escalating global threat as existing antibiotics lose efficacy over time. The project described is focused on partnering with pharmaceutical researchers and producers to test new nanoparticle-based or repurposed compounds. The central hypothesis of this thesis is that pharmaceutical formulations such as nanoparticles may provide a cost-effective means of combating the emerging antimicrobial resistance. The nanoparticle compounds allowed for a wide range of customization for the pharmaceutical design, since the …

Explorations Of Dna-Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Interactions To Develop Multiplexed Molecularly Specific Biosensors For Inflammation, Amelia K. Ryan

Dissertations and Theses

Inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-12 (IL-12) are central regulators of immune signaling and key biomarkers of disease, yet existing assays for their detection remain slow, invasive, and lack multiplexing ability. This dissertation advances the development of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) optical nanosensors capable of real-time, multiplexed, and molecularly specific cytokine detection through innovative use of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) interfaces.

First, an IL-6-specific DNA aptamer was employed as both a dispersing agent and recognition probe for SWCNT fluorescence sensing. Sequence modifications, including anchor domains, truncations, and thermally induced refolding, were systematically tested to optimize sensitivity and selectivity. The …

Metallic Nanoparticles And Cosmetics: The Role Of Mitochondria And Premature Aging, Veronica Montesinos-Cruz, Justin Olmanson

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Faculty Publications

The cosmetic industry has developed and commercialized numerous products using new technologies, making them increasingly appealing to the public. The use of metallic nanoparticles (MtNPs) as key ingredients in cosmetics has become more widespread due to their demonstrated benefits. However, the use of these products remains controversial, as some studies have shown that MtNPs can penetrate the deeper layers of the skin and disrupt homeostatic balance. It has also been demonstrated that the interaction between MtNPs and keratinocytes increases the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can lead to oxidative stress, a condition associated with premature aging. Mitochondria, as …

Magnetic And Ph-Sensitive Dual Actuation Of Biohybrid Microswimmer Of Targeted Drug Release Suitable For Cancer Cell Microenvironment, Richa Chaturvedi, Yumin Kang, Yunji Eom, Sri Ramulu Torati, Cheolgi Kim

Center for Bioelectronics Publications

The chemotherapeutic agents most frequently used in cancer treatment often have limited effectiveness because of their low specificity for tumors and poor therapeutic performance. In addition to the aforementioned therapeutic challenges the drug delivery carriers conjugated with the drug encounter early detection and elimination from the immune system before arriving at the affected area continues to be a significant research focus among researchers. To address this prevalent issue, an effective approach has been developed that leverages the physiological differences between normal and tumor tissue to enhance the efficacy of anticancer drugs. This drug delivery system is designed based on pH-sensitive …

Electrochemical And Nanomaterial Based Strategies For Nonenzymatic Glucose Detection: A Review, Reagan Aviha, Gymama Slaughter

Center for Bioelectronics Publications

Electrochemical glucose sensing technologies have undergone significant evolution, with continual advancements aimed at improving sensitivity, selectivity, and user convenience. This review systematically explores the development of emerging nonenzymatic glucose sensor designs. Nonenzymatic sensors are critically evaluated for their ability to overcome enzymatic limitations, leveraging novel materials and catalytic mechanisms. Additionally, the emergence of smartphone-integrated glucose monitoring systems is highlighted as the fifth generation, representing a paradigm shift toward personalized, real-time healthcare management. Emphasis is placed on the strategies employed to reduce the working electrode potential and enhance analytical performance. Key analytical metrics and real-sample applicability are evaluated, and persistent challenges …

Magnetic Heating Efficiency Of Magnetite Nanoparticles: Dependence On Size And Alternating Magnetic Field, Sarah E. Kubican

Theses and Dissertations--Biomedical Engineering

Magnetic heating mediated by magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MION) has several clinical applications including cancer thermal therapy, tissue thawing for organ preservation, and magnetogenetics. However, current models of magnetic heating, including the widely used linear response theory, inadequately predict MION heating efficiency. An experimental study covering alternating magnetic field (AMF) strengths and frequencies ranging from 3.98 – 27.85 kA/m and 103.6 – 984.1 kHz, respectively, with a range of MION core diameters 9.5- 30.3 nm was conducted to elucidate the relationships between these AMF parameters and MION sizes and the resulting heating efficiencies. Heating efficiency was found to increase approximately …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Multifunctional Cerium Oxide Containing Nanoparticles For Biomedical Applications, Ishaan Patel

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This study presents the synthesis and comprehensive characterization of a novel core-shell nanoparticle composed of a maghemite (γ-Fe₂O₃) core and a europium-doped cerium oxide (EuCNP) shell, developed for potential use in cancer theranostics. Using a co-precipitation method, Fe₂O₃–EuCNP core-shell nanoparticles were synthesized and compared against control samples of CNPs, EuCNPs, and Fe₂O₃. A variety of characterization techniques, including UV-Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, TEM, XRD, XPS, DLS, TGA, and DSC confirmed the successful synthesis of core-shell architecture and europium doping. Moreover, Fe₂O₃–EuCNPs demonstrating strong colloidal …

Fabricating Silver-Ceria Polymer Nanocomposite Scaffolds For Biomedical Therapeutic Applications, Shreya S. Pawar

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Improper healing of bone fractures and limited regeneration of bone following bone tumor resection remain a prevalent complication worldwide. Long-term effects of this include joint instability, limited movement, and arthritis. Bone infections (osteomyelitis), reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation via excessive inflammation, and underlying conditions such as osteoporosis can contribute to suboptimal bone tissue regeneration. ROS accumulation stimulates osteoblast apoptosis, while promoting osteoclast differentiation. These processes inhibit mineralization and osteogenesis. Conventional therapeutics involve the utilization of drugs and bone grafts. However, these approaches pose limitations and can result in subsequent complications. Microbial infections, ROS accumulation, and excessive inflammations are factors that …

Multimodal Imaging Of Protein-Based Biomaterials For Delivering Chemo-Agent Cargo For Glioblastoma Treatment In A Murine Model, Orin Mishkit

Dissertations and Theses

Protein-based self-assembling biomaterials, known as Thermo-Responsive Assembled Proteins (TRAP), present meaningful potential as drug delivery carriers. These materials enable the controlled, slow release of poorly soluble chemotherapeutic agents, such as doxorubicin (Dox), while potentially reducing systemic off-target effects. In collaboration with multiple NYU labs, this study evaluated the efficacy of two TRAP variants—TRAP and F-TRAP—as drug delivery carriers in a xenograft mouse model of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).

The primary objective was to compare the effectiveness of TRAP-loaded Dox (TRAP-DOX) to free Dox in achieving tumor extravasation and accumulation, facilitating sustained drug release. We hypothesized that the leaky vasculature of GBM …

Targeting Bone In Cancer Therapy: Advances And Challenges Of Bisphosphonate-Based Drug Delivery Systems, Fariba Ganji, Mohammadmahdi Eshaghi, Hossein Shaki, Lobat Tayebi

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Background and Purpose: Bisphosphonates (BPs) are well-known for their strong affinity toward bone mineral matrices and are widely used to inhibit excessive osteoclast activity associated with various bone disorders. Beyond their clinical use, their unique bone-targeting capability has positioned them as promising ligands for drug delivery systems aimed at treating bone-related cancers. Approach: The review analyses published studies on BP-functionalized drug delivery systems, including direct drug conjugates, calcium-based nanomaterials, carbon-based nanostructures, and self-assembling systems such as micelles and liposomes. In vitro assays (e.g. hydroxyapatite binding, cell viability) and in vivo biodistribution studies are discussed to evaluate targeting efficiency and …

Cellax Nanoparticles: Taxane Nanoformulations For Solid Tumor Targeting, Lobat Tayebi, Mehran Alavi

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Nanoparticles (NPs), specifically polymer-modified NPs, have illustrated unique therapeutic advantages compared to bulk materials. Cellax NPs have provided a promising approach to cancer therapy by improving drug delivery, targeting the tumor microenvironment, and potentially overcoming drug resistance, all while reducing overall toxicity compared to traditional taxane treatment. By the flash nanoprecipitation (FNP) method, docetaxel and cabazitaxel have been formulated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) modified-acetylated carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) polymer to increase biocompatibility, bioavailability, specific targeting, and modulate the tumor microenvironment. However, there are some challenges and clinical limitations related to this formulation, encompassing optimum targeted delivery to tumors, overcoming biological barriers, such …

Hafnium Oxide-Based Nanoheterostructures For Catalytic Radiosensitization And Enhanced X-Ray Radiotherapy, Marlen Dariela Calix Quezada

Theses and Dissertations

Orthovoltage X-ray beams are attractive for surface and intra-operative radiotherapy. Yet, their clinical utility is constrained by rapid attenuation and the limited dose that can be delivered without harming healthy tissue. High-Z hafnium oxide (HfO₂) nanoparticles can boost local energy deposition through the photoelectric effect, while catalytic surface defects accelerate water radiolysis. Harnessing both mechanisms in a single nano-heterostructure could enable potent radiosensitization at diagnostic-range energies.

This thesis develops and evaluates HfO₂-based nanoheterostructures, both bare and Au-decorated, as catalytic radiosensitizers.

Two types of HfO₂ were evaluated, one was synthesized following a specific route and the …

Emerging Nanotechnology Approaches For Blood Disorders: A Comprehensive Review Of Nano-Hematinics And Plant-Based Nanomedicines, Hassan Abdulsalam Adewuyi, Khairat Shamsudeen, Fatima Mahmoud Muhammad, Adeola Kolawole Victor, Sakariyau Adio Waheed, Adepeju Matilda Adekoya, Kashim Ibrahim Muhammad, Blessing Temitayo Longe, Abdulgaffar Abdulquddus

Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Publications

Background: Disorders affecting blood components, such as anemia, coagulopathies, and hematologic malignancies, continue to pose significant global health burdens. Traditional therapies often fall short due to adverse effects, limited bioavailability, and insufficient targeting of disease sites.

Objective: This review synthesizes current advances in nano-hematinics and plant-based nanomedicines (phyto-nanomedicines) as innovative strategies for managing blood-related conditions. These nanoscale interventions are designed to enhance therapeutic precision, bioactivity, and safety.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted using major scientific databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect. Search terms were carefully selected to retrieve literature published between 2015 and 2024 that discussed …

Biomechanics Of The Atherosclerotic Lipidome: (Un)Expected Statin Interactions And Membrane Remodelling, Ethan M. Fong

Pomona Senior Theses

Statins interact with lipid membranes in ways that shape their pharmacokinetics, off-target effects, and pleiotropic actions, yet these interactions' mechanical and biophysical consequences remain poorly understood. This thesis employs a combination of surface plasmon resonance (SPR), quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D), and rheological modelling to characterize how representative statins intercalate within biomimetic supported lipid bilayers (SLBs) of healthy and diseased composition. SPR reveals that lipophilic statins exhibit higher apparent affinities and slower dissociation kinetics, especially in cholesterol- and anionic lipid-rich membranes. QCM-D analyses demonstrate that statins alter membrane mass, dissipation, and interfacial stiffness in a statin- and membrane-dependent …

An Electrochemical Sensor For Tenofovir Monitoring, Abdellatif Ait Lahcen, Gymama Slaughter

Center for Bioelectronics Publications

Effective monitoring of tenofovir (TFV) adherence is critical for ensuring the success of antiretroviral therapies in preventing and managing HIV, as nonadherence can lead to treatment failure and the development of drug-resistant strains. In this study, a highly sensitive and selective novel biomimetic sensor for TFV determination is developed utilizing laser-scribed graphene (LSG) modified with gold spiky nanostructures (AuNSp) and molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP). The MIP layer is engineered with precise control to maximize molecular specificity for TFV. Electrochemical characterization demonstrates excellent performance, including the broadest linear detection range (10 nM to 200 μM) reported to date with a sensitivity …

Development Of Novel Carbohydrate-Based Nanoparticles For Precision Drug Delivery, Krystal Ann Hughes

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Nanoparticle-based drug delivery has made tremendous advancements in the last decade. However, several critical factors, including precision drug delivery at the site of interest, long-term storage stability, and controlling release profiles of drugs in the systemic circulation, need to be addressed for successful clinical translation of nanomedicine. This dissertation presents novel carbohydrate-based nanoparticles that achieve precise intracellular delivery and therapeutic release at the disease site. We present the formulation and optimization of polymeric and polymer-lipid hybrid nanoparticles that enable precision intracellular delivery and passive accumulation of therapeutics in the bone marrow. Intracellular delivery is highly impactful and sought after. One …

Immune Pathway Modulation In Melanoma Using Chitosan Nanoparticle-Mediated Dsrna Delivery, Bethel C. Iwuji

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by abnormal and uncontrolled cell division, which typically results in the formation of tumours. Even with advances in treatments, cancer remains one of the leading causes of death globally. Melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer which is highly malignant, develops in the pigment-producing cells of the skin, melanocytes, and in the late stages of the disease poses a significant challenge for therapeutic intervention due to its multidrug resistance. The innate immune system is the first line of defence against invading pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi, and can recognize and destroy …