Our research interests are centered around nanotechnology for drug delivery. In particular, our work focuses on developing formulation solutions for poorly soluble and poorly bioavailable drugs and drug candidates. Several active molecules showing promising in vitro therapeutic activity, including anti-cancer properties, suffer from poor solubility and bioavailability. In order to address this limitation, we exploit the self-assembly behavior of polymers for the formation of controlled-size and stable nanoparticles of cancer drugs. The resulting formulations provide enhanced bioavailability and offer enhanced delivery into tumors through the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect attributed to nanoparticles. Our work is interdisciplinary with active collaborations spanning the School of Arts and Sciences and the School of Medicine, involving peers in the chemistry, biology, and biochemistry and molecular genetics departments.
Contact:
Walid Saad