Worm-shaped polymersomes and their effects on targeting efficiency

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/46914

Title: Worm-shaped polymersomes and their effects on targeting efficiency
Author(s): Choi, Je
Issue Date: 2014-01-16T18:26:11Z
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis): Kong, Hyun Joon
Department of Study: Chemical & Biomolecular Engr
Discipline: Chemical Engineering
Degree Granting Institution: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name: M.S.
Degree Level: Thesis
Date of Ingest: 2014-01-16T18:26:11Z
Keyword(s): particle shape
Abstract: In order to improve the targeting efficiency of polymersomes with a given number of targeting molecules conjugated, efforts are being made to control particle shape. I hypothesized that worm-shaped polymersomes formed from self-assembly between poly(amino acid)s would have more targeting capability than spherical polymersomes. Morphology of the resulting polymersome was observed afterwards. The polymersome was further modified to present Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) motif, which is known to bind with cells that overexpress integrins. The binding affinities of the polymersomes onto target substrates were assessed using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy and adherence of the polymersomes to a target cell layer was also evaluated using flow chamber simulating blood flow.
Graduation Semester: 2013-12
Permalink: http://hdl.handle.net/2142/46914

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