
THIN FILM AND CHARGED PARTICLE RESEARCH LABORATORY
The Grainger College of Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Therapeutic Microcapsules and Nanoparticles
Our group investigates multi-modality contrast agents based on nanoparticles for targeted imaging and treatment; generation of uniform micro-and nano-spheres and microcapsules of precisely controlled size, shell thickness, charge, and porosity for biomedical applications
Research Interests
Monodisperse Microcapsules for Biomedical Applications




Microcapsules of precisely controlled size, shell thickness, charge, and porosity were generated using various natural and synthetic biomaterials suitable for each biomedical application.
Highlighted Projects
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Microcapsule-mediated porcine islet transplantation for improved type-1 diabetes treatment (Pubmed).
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Investigation of co-encapsulation for improved survival of anchorage-dependent cells (Pubmed).
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Controlled release of biocontrol agents for the development of effective plant disease management (Pubmed).
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Investigation of enzymatic degradation of hydrogel matrix for controlled drug release (Pubmed).
Nanoparticles for Diagnosis and Therapy



Biocompatible nanoparticles were employed to deliver drugs or contrast agents to specific locations of the body unreachable by micro- or macro-scale capsules such as intracellular environment, narrow intravenous pathways, tumor sites, and across the blood-brain barrier.
Highlighted Projects
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Nanoparticle-mediated NIR-dye delivery for improved intraoperative cancer imaging and image-guided surgery.
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Sustained delivery of therapeutic agent-loaded gelatin nanoparticles via intranasal administration for the treatment of ischemic stroke (Pubmed).
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Investigation of size- and dose-dependent endocytosis and toxicity of silica nanoparticles (Pubmed).
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Targeted delivery of anti-cancer drug mediated by the enzyme degradation of gelatin nanoparticles to treat breast malignancy (Pubmed).