Pharmacokinetics and efficacy of doxorubicin-loaded plant virus nanoparticles in preclinical models of cancer.

Aim: To compare the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of doxorubicin containing plant virus nanoparticles (PVNs) with PEGylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) and small molecule doxorubicin in two mouse models of cancer.

Materials & Methods: Studies were performed in A375 melanoma and intraperitoneal SKOV3ip1 ovarian cancer xenografts. The PVNs were administered in lower and more frequent doses in the ovarian model.

Micro-elastometry on whole blood clots using actuated surface-attached posts (ASAPs).

We present a novel technology for microfluidic elastometry and demonstrate its ability to measure stiffness of blood clots as they form. A disposable micro-capillary strip draws small volumes (20 μL) of whole blood into a chamber containing a surface-mounted micropost array. The posts are magnetically actuated, thereby applying a shear stress to the blood clot.