GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY
Grant: $200,433 - National Institutes of Health - Sep. 28, 2009
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Award Description: Cancer-associated blood biomarkers exist in exceedingly low concentrations, well below the sensitivity of conventional biomarker proteomic technologies. Moreover, biomarkers are masked within complex mixtures of high-abundance proteins such as albumin and immunoglobulins. In addition, blood biomarkers may be subjected to degradation during transportation and storage. The nanotechnology that is the subject of this R21 program was designed to address all of these serious challenges that prevent the translation of biomarker science to clinical benefit. We have created porous sieving core shell 'smart nanoparticles containing an internal affinity bait to perform four independent functions within minutes, in one step, in solution (serum or plasma): a) molecular size sieving b) affinity capture of all solution phase target molecules, c) complete protection of harvested proteins from enzymatic degradation, and d) complete separation from high abundance residence proteins such as albumin and immunoglobulin. Additional bait chemistries can be implemented in the NIPAm based core shell particles to create separate classes of nanoparticles spanning all the major classes of biomarker molecules. One of the objectives for the research assistants hired under this supplement is to incorporate a series of novel chemistry baits in the NIPAm based core shell particles to yield a series of nanoparticle classes that selectively bind and concentrate a diverse range of biomarkers. The research assistants will also be trained in the synthesis of new core shells which surround the bait containing cores produced by researchers. The new research assistants will gain in-depth experience in biomarker proteomics, protease chemistry, western blotting, and clinical immunoassays. Additionally, the research assistants will participate in the fabrication and testing of whole blood vacutainer tubes containing bait core shell nanoparticles. The goal will be to determine the optimal particle to serum matrix proportion for harvesting biomarkers from serum in the presence of various standard anticoagulants. The research assistants hired under this ARRA supplement are both highly-talented American post-baccalaureates pursuing careers in the biomedical sciences. The newly hired research assistants represent ethnic populations that are underserved in the health-related research field.
Project Description: One+B22 of the objectives for the research assistants hired under this supplement is to incorporate a series of novel chemistry baits in the NIPAm based core shell B22particles to yield a series of nanoparticle classes that selectively bind and concentrate a diverse range of biomarkers. The research assistants will also be trained in the synthesis of new core shells which surround the bait containing cores produced by researchers. The new research assistants will gain in-depth experience in biomarker proteomics, protease chemistry, western blotting, and clinical immunoassays. Additionally, the research assistants will participate in the fabrication and testing of whole blood vacutainer tubes containing bait core shell nanoparticles. The goal will be to determine the optimal particle to serum matrix proportion for harvesting biomarkers from serum in the presence of various standard anticoagulants. Because the ARRA supplement award notification was received just prior to the required quarterly activity report, the project has not yet been started, and the new research assistants are in the process of being hired as a result.
Infrastructure Description: Not Applicable
Jobs Summary: No jobs created or retained (Total jobs reported: 0)
Project Status: Not Started
This award's data was last updated on Sep. 28, 2009. Help expand these official descriptions using the wiki below.
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