Project Activities:
- Literature Review: Conduct an in-depth review of the current literature on drug delivery systems for cancer therapy, focusing on recent developments in nanotechnology, biomaterials, and targeting strategies. This will provide a comprehensive understanding of the state-of-the-art technologies and identify gaps where novel approaches can be developed.
- Nanoparticle Synthesis: Develop and optimize biocompatible nanoparticles with controlled size, shape, and surface properties. Nanoparticles can include liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, or lipid-polymer hybrids, each with specific advantages for drug encapsulation and delivery. The selection of appropriate materials and fabrication techniques will be crucial for achieving optimal drug loading and release profiles.
- Drug Encapsulation and Release Studies: Investigate different techniques for encapsulating anti-cancer drugs within the developed nanoparticles. Perform systematic studies to assess drug loading efficiency, release kinetics, and stability under various physiological conditions. This step is essential to ensure that the drug delivery system effectively delivers therapeutic agents to cancer cells.
- Surface Modification and Targeting Ligands: Functionalize the surface of nanoparticles with targeting ligands that can selectively recognize cancer-specific biomarkers. Conduct computational analysis and experimental validation to determine the most suitable ligands for the specific cancer type under investigation. The modification of nanoparticles with targeting ligands will enhance their specificity for cancer cells while reducing non-specific interactions.
- In Vitro Cell Studies: Evaluate the cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of the developed nanoparticles using cancer cell lines. Perform assays to quantify the extent of internalization, intracellular drug release, and subsequent cell viability. Compare the results with conventional drug formulations to demonstrate the improved therapeutic efficacy of the novel delivery system.
- In Vivo Studies: Conduct animal studies to assess the pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and therapeutic efficacy of the targeted drug delivery system. Utilize xenograft models or genetically engineered mice that mimic the intended cancer type. Monitor tumor growth, assess overall survival, and analyze tissue samples to validate the enhanced tumor targeting and therapeutic effect.
- Safety and Toxicity Evaluation: Perform comprehensive safety assessments to ensure that the developed drug delivery system has minimal toxicity and off-target effects. Evaluate potential immunological responses, organ toxicity, and long-term effects of the nanoparticles.
- Formulation Optimization: Based on the findings from in vitro and in vivo studies, iteratively refine the nanoparticle formulation to achieve the best therapeutic outcomes. This may involve adjusting parameters such as particle size, drug loading, targeting ligands, and surface modifications.
- Publication and Dissemination: Prepare research papers and presentations to communicate the findings at scientific conferences and in peer-reviewed journals. Sharing the results with the scientific community will contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field of targeted cancer therapy.
