Biological systems are highly complex environments with a dynamic range of biomolecules, which vary in abundance, structure and function in different disease states. Detection of such variations at the early stages of disease can potentially enable complete cessation or reversal of the disease progression, but is challenging due to: i) complexity of molecular and physiological profiles of disease, ii) low abundance of disease biomarkers at the early stages, and iii) necessity to detect multiple biomarkers that collectively identify a certain disease. The next-generation detection probes based on colloidal luminescent semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) with high photostability, brightness, and structural versatility can satisfy the currently-unmet requirements of multiplexed biosensing with high sensitivity and precision. In the first part of my talk, I will describe the unique optical properties of QDs that can be tuned by their size, shape, and composition; and will show examples of highly sensitive, background-free detection of biomolecules (e. g. cancer biomarkers) with QDs in Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based homogeneous immunoassays.
Biocompatible and biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles offer tremendous opportunities for targeted therapeutic interventions. However, regardless of the extensive research and development efforts, the development of parenteral nanoparticles for clinical and commercial use often faces the challenges of successful process scaling in a sterile or aseptic environment complying with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP). In the second part of my talk, I will describe the lab-scale development, microfluidics-enabled size-tuning, and in vivo biodistribution of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles designed for cancer immunotherapy. Finally, I will discuss the efficacy of these nanoparticles encapsulating tumor antigens and adjuvants in a mouse melanoma model.
Scheme: Bench-to-bedside development path of nanomedicines.
30 September, 2022 at 15 o’clock, Dr. Oya Tagit is going to be at SABITALK.
Click here to attend.
Chief Scientific Officer
I am an accomplished and high-achieving bionanomaterials scientist with an ambition to address biomedical challenges in diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of disease with functional nanomaterials. I introduce complex functions into materials through bottom-up synthesis, nanoscale surface engineering, and bioconjugation approaches and study their interactions with biological systems using advanced microscopy, spectroscopy, and cell culture techniques as well as in vivo models.
I have participated in and managed several interdisciplinary projects that involved the development of functional nanomaterials for biosensing, pre-clinical imaging, and cancer immunotherapy applications through material development to clinical translation steps.
I have proven funding acquisition, leadership, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. I have delivered a high level of teaching/mentoring to undergraduate, Masters, and Ph.D. students.