ABSTRACT: In this work we present results on the use of Gamma-Polyglutamic Acid (PGA) biopolymer to produce nanoparticles and encapsulate the anti-cancer drug Doxorubicin (DOX). Microbially produced PGA is used alone and in combination with Chitosan (CS) to form DOX-loaded nanoparticles at different conditions. The main mechanism of nanoparticle formation is the ionic complexation between PGA, DOX and CS. The size distribution, surface charge and diffusivity characteristics of PGA-DOX-CS nanoparticles were studied under the following variable conditions: order and time of mixing, mass ratios of PGA:DOX:CS, structure and molecular weight of components, and pH of solution. Rates of biodegradation of nanoparticles and rate of DOX release were studied as a function of time. Preliminary in-vitro cytotoxicity results are also reported using different size nanoparticles to kill human cancer cells HN-5a derived from Human gingival squamous carcinoma.
Bio-sketch:
B.A.Sc. Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Canada
M.S. Chemical Engineering (Food Eng.), University of California, Berkeley, U.S.A.
Ph.D. Biochemical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, U.S.A.
TEACHING: Biochemical Engineering, Bioprocessing, Bioseparation, Selected Topics in Biochemical Engineering, Bio-Environmental Engineering, Sustainability and Environment
RESEARCH AREAS: Biochemical and Biomedical Engineering, Bio-Environmental Engineering, Biofuels (ethanol, butanol and hydrogen gas), Biopolymers, Bioprocess Design, Controlled Release of Pharmaceuticals from Nanoparticles, Fermentation, Fluidized Bioreactors, Supercritical CO2 Extraction of Biopharmaceuticals and Nutraceuticals.