Nanoagent functionalization aiming at tumor targeting and biocompatibility
Project Description:
Nanotechnology has started witnessing some applications in the area of therapeutics and diagnostics particularly for the management of cancer therapy. This potential has been further augmented through the vast explorations at the interface of materials science and biology to develop smart multifunctional systems. My research project at Chematech, Dijon, and the University of Bourgogne, Dijon, steers in a similar direction.
The objective of the project is to develop novel and facile strategies to synthesize nanoparticles for the imaging and therapy of cancer. These nanoparticles will be thoroughly characterized for its physico-chemical properties through a gamut of chromatographic, spectroscopic and biophysical techniques. These nano dimensional particles will be optimized for the efficient labelling with a suitable contrast/radio agents for the applications in imaging/therapy.
Furthermore, the project also aims to conjugate these nanoparticles with suitable bio recognized ligands so as to selectively dart the cancerous tissue. Such an approach demands substantial manipulation and investigations at the chemical/biophysical level.
The appropriately optimized systems will be rigorously evaluated in suitable biological rodent models to understand the biodistribution, pharmacokinetics and overall applicability of such tools in cancer imaging and therapy.
The aforementioned activities will be carried out through the intense collaboration with the ITN-ARGENT project partners across Europe. The long-term goal of the project will be to develop robust nanosystems which are well positioned to make a translation from bench to the bed.
Short CV
Education:
2010: Master of Science (Pharm.) in Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Mohali, India
2008: Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Chemical Technology (formerly UDCT), Mumbai University, India
Work experience:
2011-2014: Scientist, Formulations & Analytical, Research & Development, Biocon Ltd, Electronics City, Bangalore-560100, India
July 2010 - Dec 2010: Technical Trainee, Technology Transfer Group, Formulation Technology Operations, Dr.Reddy’s Laboratories, Bachupally, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh-500090, India