Targeting bacterial biofilms via surface engineering of gold nanoparticles.

Bacterial biofilms are associated with persistent infections that are resistant to conventional antibiotics and substantially complicate patient care. Surface engineered nanoparticles represent a novel, unconventional approach for disruption of biofilms and targeting of bacterial pathogens. Herein, we describe the role of surface charge of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on biofilm disruption and bactericidal activity towards and which are important ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) pathogens.

Hepatoma derived growth factor (HDGF) dynamics in ovarian cancer cells.

As a leading cause of cancer death among women, identification of pathophysiologically-relevant biomarkers for ovarian cancer is important. The heparin binding, hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF) is overexpressed in ovarian cancer cell lines and may have prognostic value, but the mechanism by which this predominantly nuclear protein is secreted or functions is unknown. In this study, we focused on the circumstances under which HDGF is released by cells and the functional relevance of extracellular HDGF in the context of ovarian cancer.

Control of nanoparticle penetration into biofilms through surface design.

Quantum dots were used as fluorescent probes to investigate nanoparticle penetration into biofilms. The particle penetration behavior was found to be controlled by surface chemical properties.

Understanding protein-nanoparticle interaction: a new gateway to disease therapeutics.

Molecular identification of protein molecules surrounding nanoparticles (NPs) may provide useful information that influences NP clearance, biodistribution, and toxicity. Hence, nanoproteomics provides specific information about the environment that NPs interact with and can therefore report on the changes in protein distribution that occurs during tumorigenesis. Therefore, we hypothesized that characterization and identification of protein molecules that interact with 20 nm AuNPs from cancer and noncancer cells may provide mechanistic insights into the biology of tumor growth and metastasis and identify new therapeutic targets in ovarian cancer.

Cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) contributes to advanced ovarian cancer progression and drug resistance.

Background: Epithelial ovarian cancer is the leading cause of gynecologic cancer deaths. Most patients respond initially to platinum-based chemotherapy after surgical debulking, however relapse is very common and ultimately platinum resistance emerges. Understanding the mechanism of tumor growth, metastasis and drug resistant relapse will profoundly impact the therapeutic management of ovarian cancer.

Identifying new therapeutic targets via modulation of protein corona formation by engineered nanoparticles.

Background: We introduce a promising methodology to identify new therapeutic targets in cancer. Proteins bind to nanoparticles to form a protein corona. We modulate this corona by using surface-engineered nanoparticles, and identify protein composition to provide insight into disease development.

Intrinsic therapeutic applications of noble metal nanoparticles: past, present and future.

Biomedical nanotechnology is an evolving field having enormous potential to positively impact the health care system. Important biomedical applications of nanotechnology that may have potential clinical applications include targeted drug delivery, detection/diagnosis and imaging. Basic understanding of how nanomaterials, the building blocks of nanotechnology, interact with the cells and their biological consequences are beginning to evolve.

Modulating pharmacokinetics, tumor uptake and biodistribution by engineered nanoparticles.

Background: Inorganic nanoparticles provide promising tools for biomedical applications including detection, diagnosis and therapy. While surface properties such as charge are expected to play an important role in their in vivo behavior, very little is known how the surface chemistry of nanoparticles influences their pharmacokinetics, tumor uptake, and biodistribution.

Method/principal Findings: Using a family of structurally homologous nanoparticles we have investigated how pharmacological properties including tumor uptake and biodistribution are influenced by surface charge using neutral (TEGOH), zwitterionic (Tzwit), negative (TCOOH) and positive (TTMA) nanoparticles.