Student research project
Supervisor(s): Associate Professor Xiaowei Wang, Professor Karlheinz Peter and Dr Cuong Pham
This project is focused on the development of novel nanoparticles for controlled or trigger release of their therapeutic cargo.
Project summary
The gradual buildup of plaques in atherosclerosis, a condition affecting the arteries, is a key factor contributing to life-threatening cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke. Therefore, preventing or reversing atherosclerosis early can significantly decrease hospitalisations and mortality rates worldwide.
Extracellular vesicles are tiny particles enclosed within membranes, naturally released by all living cells. They serve as a means of communication between cells and exhibit favourable characteristics such as being highly compatible with the human body, having a low potential for immune reactions, and playing a crucial role in intercellular communication. As a result, extracellular vesicles are gaining recognition as an advanced platform for delivering drugs and genes in medicine.
This project aims to develop innovative extracellular vesicles designed to deliver therapeutic agents specifically to treat atherosclerosis. The targeting capability of these nanocarriers to atherosclerotic sites can be achieved either through the inherent ability of extracellular vesicles derived from activated platelets or endothelial cells to home in on these sites. We can also couple functional handles onto these extracellular vesicles to directly conjugate recombinant antibodies for more specific targeting. These targeted extracellular vesicles will be loaded with therapeutic molecules such as drugs and/or mRNA to stabilise atherosclerotic plaques and effectively reduce inflammation.
This project holds great significance, as it involves the development of a new targeted platform for delivering drugs and genes to treat atherosclerosis. The resulting therapeutics will possess high potency, have fewer side-effects, and exhibit strong compatibility with the human body and a low risk of immune reactions. Such pharmacological or genetic interventions show immense potential for being translated into clinical practice, offering promising outcomes for patients affected by atherosclerosis.
Related methods, skills or technologies
The project is suitable for an Honours, Masters or PhD student and will involve applying various skills and techniques including biomaterial selections, generation of nano-/micro-particles, cell cultures, flow cytometry, flow adhesion assays, microscopy, animal models and statistics.
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