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Hamid Ghandehari

Professor of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry and of Bioengineering

B.S. University of Utah

Ph.D. University of Utah

Research

References

hamid.ghandehari@pharm.utah.edu

Hamid Ghandehari's Lab Page

Hamid Ghandehari's PubMed Literature Search

Research

The main focus of research in my laboratory is on the development of novel methods for controlled delivery of bioactive agents. Four areas are being explored:

1. Genetically engineered polymers for gene delivery Recombinant DNA technology has enabled the synthesis of protein-based polymers with precisely controlled structures. Control over polymer structure at the molecular level has important implications for controlled delivery applications. The potentials of recombinant silk-elastinlike protein polymers (SELPs) for matrix-mediated gene delivery and tissue engineering, and nano-scale targetable lysine-histidine fusion protein - DNA complexes for systemic gene delivery are being explored. The idea is that by using recombinant techniques it is possible to systematically correlate polymer structure with gene release and transfer. Our main focus is on gene therapy applications in the treatment of head and neck and breast cancer.

2. Water-soluble polymers for targeted delivery Targeted delivery of bioactive agents by water soluble polymers can increase efficacy and reduce toxicity. The synthesis, characterization and biological evaluation of targetable N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymers for targeted delivery to angiogenic blood vessels of solid tumors are being investigated. By tailor-making the size and charge of these copolymers it is possible to alter biodistribution and minimize uptake by nontarget organs. Similar polymeric systems have been evaluated for targeted delivery of antileishmanial and magnetic resonance contrast agents.

3. Poly (amidoamine) dendrimers for oral delivery Due to their large size water soluble polymers generally need to be administered intravenously. It would be desirable to develop polymeric carriers that are orally bioavailable. Nano-scale poly (amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers of appropriate size and charge can be transported across the gastrointestinal epithelial cells with minimal or no toxicity. The influence of variables such as size, geometry, charge, surface functionality and drug loading on the mechanism and rate of transport of PAMAM dendrimers across epithelial barriers is under investigation.

4. Inorganic nanoconstructs for controlled chemical delivery Recent advances in nanotechnology have enabled the fabrication of inorganic nanoconstructs with defined shape, size, and surface functionality. Examples of such constructs include inorganic nanotubes and nanoparticles. Our laboratory as part of a Nanoscale Interdisciplinary Research Team (NIRT) funded by the National Science Foundation is working on constructing inorganic-polymer hybrid nanoconstructs responsive to external stimuli for controlled chemical delivery. Another effort is directed at evaluating the influence of geometry and surface functionality on biocompatibility and biodistribution of silica nanotubes, spherical silica nanoparticles and poly amido amine dendrimers.

References