The functional mesostructured materials for controlled release division of the Zink group focuses on three general aims. First, work continues on the nanoparticles itself by changing the structure of MCM-41 to increase its versatility. Second, many new organic molecules are being tested as nano-valves for controlled release. Lastly, different molecules are being attached to the surface of the particles in order to generate a cellular response that can lead to a cell targeting system. My work in the Zink group deals with both the nano-valve project as well as the cell-targeting project.

My primary research project deals with the generation of a light-responsive nano-valve. A light-controlled system has many advantages, including the dependence on the specific wavelength of light to induce motion (so that the release is not spontaneous) as well as the low invasiveness of light as an external control mechanism. The current design deals with a light-sensitive organic molecule that is positioned at the MCM-41 pore entrance. The particle can be loaded with drug, which is held in the pore by introducing a capping agent that blocks the pore by associating with the organic thread. The organic thread absorbs light at a specific wavelength, and in doing so undergoes a photo-physical change, causing the release of the capping agent. This allows the drug to diffuse out of the MCM-41.

Of equal importance to how a drug is released is the ability to control where the drug is released. In order to send these drug-containing particles to where they are needed, a specific chemical signal needs to be attached to the surface of the particles. I am most interested in the use of biomolecules to perform this function. If a biomolecule can be identified that activated endocytosis in a very specific cell line, then its presence on the surface of the nanoparticles has the potential to be a cell-specific targeting agent. This application has a wide variety of outlets from cancer treatment to in vivo genetic modification.

It will be very exciting for our lab if we can get both of these projects integrated. This would be of greatest therapeutic benefit as the drug can be localized via the targeting system and then released by external irradiation. In turn, this could lead to treatment of many different problems affecting the medical field today.