Nanotechnology Applications in Translational Oncology

There has been tremendous recent interest in nanotechnology application for cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. In cancer therapy, overcoming biological barriers and target specific delivery are the key challenges. Furthermore, newer generation of molecular therapies, such as gene therapy oligonucleotides, and RNA interference, will require intracellular delivery strategies for effective outcomes.

In this presentation, I will provide an overview of our work in nanotechnology for cancer therapy. We have developed polymer-, lipid-, and metal-based nanoplatforms for targeted drug and gene delivery to the tumor and imaging contrast agents to monitor therapeutic outcomes. Using biodegradable polymers, we have formulated nanocarriers for systemic delivery of hydrophobic anticancer drugs and therapeutic genes. We have developed nanoemulsions, using oils rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which can facilitate drug delivery across different biological barriers, such as the blood-brain barrier. Lastly, metal nanoparticles, primarily based on gold and iron oxide allow for cellular tracking, imaging, and delivery potential.

Biography:
Dr. Amiji received his undergraduate degree in pharmacy from Northeastern University in 1988 and his PhD in pharmaceutics from Purdue University in 1992. His areas of specialization include polymeric biomaterials, advanced drug delivery systems, and nanomedical technologies.

Dr. Amiji is currently Professor and Associate Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Sciences Department and Co-Director of Northeastern University Nanomedicine Education and Research Consortium (NERC). NERC oversees a doctoral training program in Nanomedicine Science and Technology that is co-funded by the NIH and NSF. He has three published books, Applied Physical Pharmacy (McGraw-Hill, 2003) and Polymeric Gene Delivery: Principles and Applications (Taylor & Francis, 2005) and Nanotechnology for Cancer Therapy (Taylor & Francis, 2007), along with numerous manuscripts and abstracts. Dr. Amiji has received a number of awards including the 2006 NSTI Award for Outstanding Contributions towards the Advancement of Nanotechnology, Microtechnology, and Biotechnology and 2007 American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientist's Meritorious Manuscript award.