Current Research
AEROSOL ROUTES TO ENGINEERED NANOPARTICLES FOR DRUG & GENE DELIVERY
Nanoparticles with controlled properties are of interest in addressing issues like stability, bioavailability and controlled-release.
We study aerosol processes to engineer nanoparticles with desired size, structure, crystallinity and surface modification for drug delivery applications.
The generation of nanoparticle aerosols, suitable for pulmonary delivery, is studied using drug-loaded liposome suspensions with controlled colloidal and media properties.
A pulse-heat aerosol reactor (PHAR) method has been developed to make lipid nanoparticles with desired properties, for applications like cancer therapy and siRNA delivery.
Computational models of evaporation-precipitation, population balances and controlled release are used to understand mechanisms controlling nanoparticle properties in these systems.
ADVANCED RESEARCH FACILITIES
Scanning mobility particle sizer (real time size distributions 4-1000nm)
Micro-orifice uniform deposit impacter (average size distributions, 56nm – 10 μm)
Constant output atomizer (liquid feed, 106 particles/cc)
Laser particle spectrometer (real time size distribution 300 nm upwards)
Condensation particle counter (10 nm upwards)
Aerosol reactor and diluter systems