(3ey) Theranostic Nanomedicine for Cancer Imaging and Therapy

My research interests are focused on developing multifunctional nanoparticle based theranostic nanomedicine for cancer imaging and therapy. The composition and structure uniformity of the multifunctional nanoparticles play an extremely important role in the success and efficacy of their applications in vitro and in vivo. To maximize theranostic efficacy, my research has focused on (1) designing the formulation of non-toxic and targeted nanoparticle carrier systems that carry and stabilize various therapeutic agents (microRNAs, oligonucleotides, siRNA and small molecules) and imaging agents (quantum dots, gold nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles); (2) developing novel microfluidic-based production method to better control structure uniformity and quality of multifunctional nanoparticles.

During this poster session, I will highlight specific projects of my PhD and postdoctoral research including formulating nanoparticles for efficienct microRNAs delivery in lung cancer treatment, utilizing quantum dots mediated fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) to study the intracellular fate of nanoparticles and using microfluidic coaxial electrospray to produce theranostic nanoparticles in a well controlled manner.  Future challenges and my research plans will be also discussed in the poster session.