SUMMER RESEARCH TRAINING IN MEMBRANE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2008 NSF REU SITE PROGRAM at the UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI
The Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy is pleased to offer this research project as part of the 2008 summer NSF-REU Site Program administered by the Department of Pharmacology & Cell Biophysics.  Students interested in this project are urged to contact Professor Pauletti to discover more about the project, learn what your responsibilities will be during the ten-week research training program.
Project #:  08 – 017b Faculty Supervisor/Mentor: Giovanni M. Pauletti, Ph.D. Associate Professor College of Pharmacy Email:  gm.pauletti@uc.edu
Targeted Nanoparticles for Trans-Placental Drug Delivery
General background and significance of the project: The REU student will engage in the fabrication of surface-modified poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles that facilitate transcellular delivery of these polymeric drug delivery systems across BeWo cell monolayer model systems. The effect of covalently linked polyethylene glycol moieties of various molecular weights and the degree of surface coverage with RGD-containing ligand peptides will be evaluated in this in vitro model of the human placental barrier, but may have more universal applicability for other bio-membranes and engineered membranes. Furthermore, the impact of nanoparticle surface modifications on recognition of the RGD peptide ligand by putative placental transcytosis bio-membrane receptors will be assessed using isothermal titration calorimetry. Other experimental techniques applied in this research include organic synthesis, in vitro cell culture, particle characterization, and quantitative fluorescence analysis.
Brief description of proposed research and activities for the 10-week REU period: Involvement in this stimulating multidisciplinary research projects provides an opportunity for the REU student to apply theoretical concepts that were originally developed in engineering to pharmaceutical drug delivery with the ultimate satisfaction that the fruits of this effort may significantly enhance the therapeutic efficacy of drug interventions in cancer patients and the unborn fetus, respectively.
What the REU Student can gain from participating in this project: Significant contributions made by the REU student will earn co-authorship on presentations and publications arising from this collaborative international project.