We are creating nanotechnology solutions for cardiovascular disease. Our lab is developing nanoparticles to image and deliver miRNA therapeutics to atherosclerotic plaque and damaged heart tissue. We are creating VCAM-1 targeted nanotherapeutics and have demonstrated the ability to prevent the development of atherosclerosis in mouse models as shown on the left.
A current focus of the laboratory is the analysis of native vesicles and the development of nanotherapeutics that mimic structures that are efficiently internalized. In collaboration with the Searles laboratory we are evaluating whether the components of microvesicle membranes can be employed to improve engineered vesicles.