IBBR/BMD Seminar: “Overcoming Biological Barriers to Drug and Gene Delivery"

Nanoparticle (NP) drug and gene delivery systems have proven useful in enhancing the efficacy of small molecule and nucleic acid-based drugs. However to reach their target after local or systemic administration, NPs encounter several biological barriers such as the extracellular matrix (ECM) or mucus that can impede the efficiency of these systems. In this talk, I will discuss methods to improve nanoparticle distribution through target tissues by optimizing polyethylene glycol surface coatings for the intended administration route. In addition, I will describe a new machine-learning guided approach to predict the fate of nanomedicine in the lung following inhaled administration. Together this work provides the basis for the design and optimization of nanoparticles for therapeutic applications.