Research Focus Areas
Custom Synthesis of Metal/Porous Nanoparticles
Nanotoxicology
Biomedical Image Contrast Agents
Precision Nanoprobes
Molecular Nanotechnology
Custom Synthesis of Metal/Porous Nanoparticles
Standardized synthesis of Gold nanoparticles (nanoclusters, 5 nm, 10 nm, 16 nm) Silver nanoparticles (nanoclusters, 10 nm, 40 nm, 95 nm) Iron oxide nanoparticles (10 nm) Gadolinium oxide (5 nm, 10 nm) Hafnium oxide (5 nm, 10 nm) Microporous silica particles (15 nm, 50 nm, 100 nm, 400 nm) Other nanoparticles currently being optimized include …
Nanotoxicology
Nanotoxicity assessment is an integral part of designing biomedical probes. In vitro toxicity of nanoparticles is assessed using murine (L929) and human cell lines (HUVEC, RAW246.7). In vivo toxicity was assessed in zebrafish models, and in vivo biodistribution/blood pool kinetics was assessed in athymic and euthymic mouse models. Representative Publications …
Biomedical Image Contrast Agents
Scaled up the synthesis of nanoparticle contrast agents. I specialize in the synthesis of long emission lifetime, fluorescent and photoluminescent nanoparticles. This is achieved by modifying Au cores with fluorophore embedded shells or Au nanoclusters with tunable photoluminescence. Fluorescent silica particles with sizes ranging from 15 nm to 400 nm are also available. Such probes …
Precision Nanoprobes
Antibody-drug conjugates are emerging as a frontrunner in precision targeted therapeutics. However, this capability is still beyond the ability of most academic laboratories. The primary reason for this is the need to identify a precise binding site on the constant region of the antibody (Fc) for the drug molecule to be conjugated, while not affecting …
Molecular Nanotechnology
This is the current focus of my research. Utilizing anisotropic and hybrid nanoparticle architectures to introduce directionality in motion, precisely orienting targeting molecules and directed exertion of force by nanosystems. Anisotropic nanoparticles can be Janus hybrids or non-spherical nanoparticles and include rods, plates, prisms, and core-shells. This will lay the basis for nanomotors and nanomachines …
AY 2026 in Review: PD[N]ano Lab Highlights Featured in the Provost’s TPAC-RL May 2026 Newsletter
The Provost’s TPAC-RL Faculty Newsletter (Spring 2026) went out this week, and I’m grateful that several of the lab’s milestones from the past academic year were included in the round-up of faculty achievements. The newsletter is sent to the university’s Teaching, Professor of the Practice, Advising, Clinical, Research, and Library faculty community, and it’s a …
Aurelie Brownsberger Leads a Student Cohort in a Journal of Nanotheranostics Invited Feature Review on Intrinsically Selective Therapeutic Nanoplatforms
I am thrilled to share that our invited Feature Review — led by graduate researcher Aurelie Brownsberger as lead author with significant contributions from undergraduate researchers in our group— is now published in MDPI’s Journal of Nanotheranostics (JNT), as part of the Special Issue: Feature Review Papers in Nanotheranostics. Title: Intrinsically Selective Nanoplatforms for Precision …
NIH Funding Opportunities
- Notice of Change to Key Dates for PAR-25-182 - Development of Psychosocial Therapeutic and Preventive Interventions for Mental Disorders (R61/R33 Clinical Trial Required) May 20, 2026Notice NOT-MH-26-030 from the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts
- Notice to Rescind NOT-MH-22-310, Notice of Information on NIMH Policy Updates for Career Development Programs (K awards) May 19, 2026Notice NOT-MH-26-035 from the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts
- Native Collective Research Effort to Enhance Wellness (N CREW) Program: Addressing Overdose, Substance Use, Mental Health, and Pain Native Research Resource Partners May 19, 2026Notice NOT-DA-26-011 from the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts
- Native Collective Research Effort to Enhance Wellness (N CREW) Program: Addressing Overdose, Substance Use, Mental Health, and Pain Advancing Native Research Projects May 19, 2026Notice NOT-DA-26-012 from the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts
- Notice of NIDCR Pre-Application Webinar and FAQs for Community-Based Participatory Research Initiative (PAR-27-015 and RFA-DE-27-001) May 19, 2026Notice NOT-DE-26-014 from the NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts
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