A5020198591- Nanoplatforms for cancer theranostics
- RNA Interference and Gene Delivery
- Legionella and Acanthamoeba research
- Supramolecular Self-Assembly in Materials
- Bacterial biofilms and quorum sensing
- Vibrio bacteria research studies
- Medical Device Sterilization and Disinfection
- Neutrophil, Myeloperoxidase and Oxidative Mechanisms
- Click Chemistry and Applications
- Water Treatment and Disinfection
- Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery
- Photoacoustic and Ultrasonic Imaging
- Infection Control in Healthcare
- Cancer Research and Treatments
- Chemical Synthesis and Analysis
- Central Venous Catheters and Hemodialysis
- Bacteriophages and microbial interactions
- Probiotics and Fermented Foods
Oregon Health & Science University
2013-2025
Cancer Institute (WIA)
2025
OHSU Knight Cancer Institute
2025
Mechanical tumor ablation using focused ultrasound (FUS) offers minimally invasive of solid tumors. However, mechanical requires highly intense FUS pulses, which may generate off-target effects. In addition, residual cancer cells that survive can cause recurrence. To overcome these challenges, we developed a dual-functional nanomaterial by assembling peptide amphiphiles on hydrophobically modified nanoparticles. The hydrophobic nanoparticle core allows for the generation cavitating bubbles...
It is established that the human pathogen Legionella pneumophila becomes significantly augmented for infection of macrophages after intracellular growth in amoebae when compared to like-strains cultivated laboratory media. Based on this observation, we reasoned most critical virulence determinants L.p. are expressed by responding stimuli generated protozoan host specifically; a process term 'protozoan-priming'. We sought identify factors were required replication order highlight genes...
Needleless connectors may develop bacterial contamination and cause central‐line‐associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) despite rigorous application of best‐practice. Ultraviolet (UV) light‐emitting diodes (LED) are an emerging, increasingly affordable disinfection technology. We tested the hypothesis that a low‐power UV LED could reliably eliminate bacteria on needleless central‐line ports in laboratory model contamination. were inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus. A 285 nm was used...
Many intracellular bacterial pathogens use freshwater protozoans as a natural reservoir for proliferation in the environment. Legionella pneumophila, causative agent of Legionnaires' pneumonia, gains pathogenic advantage over vitro cultured bacteria when first harvested from protozoan cells prior to infection mammalian macrophages. This suggests that important virulence factors may not be properly expressed vitro. We have developed tractable system priming L. pneumophila through its host...
The interactions of nanomaterials with biomolecules in vivo determine their biological fate. Here, we show that self-assembled peptide amphiphile (PA) nanostructures can dynamically interact endogenous and take advantage naturally occurring processes to target a broad range solid tumors. In circulation, PA disassemble reassemble mainly lipoproteins, which prolongs blood circulation dramatically improves tumor accumulation retention. Mechanistic studies suggested PAs internalize into cancer...
Abstract Advanced melanoma remains the most fatal form of skin cancer with novel therapeutic approaches required to treat inoperable metastatic lesions. While immunotherapies have shown promise in improving long-term survival, its treatment efficacy is limited, only 50% patients responding. Focused ultrasound (FUS) offers as a non-invasive strategy for targeted tumor ablation, thereby strengthening immunotherapy by release associated materials. However, control over material through FUS,...
Abstract Peptide amphiphiles (PAs) have been applied as building blocks for self-assembled nanostructures with various morphologies. These are promising drug delivery platforms they naturally biodegradable and biocompatible low immunogenicity. One primary focus in using the PA has to develop strongly assembled structures avoid disassembly blood allow them carry payloads their intended targets. In this work, rather than developing stable structures, we focused on weakly investigate...
Many intracellular bacterial pathogens use freshwater protozoans as a natural reservoir for proliferation in the environment. Legionella pneumophila, causative agent of Legionnaires' pneumonia, gains pathogenic advantage over vitro cultured bacteria when first harvested from protozoan cells prior to infection mammalian macrophages. This suggests that important virulence factors may not be properly expressed vitro. We have developed tractable system priming L. pneumophila through its host...
Abstract Lungs are a frequent site for disease but difficult to image and probe, potentially exacerbating lung disease, delaying diagnoses impacting survival. Here, we demonstrate low cost, minimally invasive method probe the lungs using genetically engineered Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strain WCFS1. Genetically modified WCFS1 was delivered specifically of mice, where it shown remain transcriptionally active several hours then be cleared without further colonization. secrete...