"Development of Functionalized Nanoparticles and Bionanocoatings for Novel in vivo Medical Applications"

Principal Investigators Rutgers    
 Prof. Thomas Tsakalakos Cer. and Mat. Eng.,(PI)
Prof. Richard Lehman Cer. and Mat. Eng.,
Prof. Helen Buettner Chem. and Bioch. Eng.,
Prof. Evangelia Tzanakou Biomedical Eng.,
Prof. Marc Croft Physics,

Principal Investigators Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (RWJMS)
Prof. John Kostis, Chairman Dept. of Medicine,
Prof. Clifton Lacy , Chief Cardiovascular Diseases
Prof. Meir Shinnar, MRI

Prof. Muhammed Mamoun, Materials Chemisty, Biochemistry, KTH Sweden, Rutgers Visiting Faculty

Objectives
 The purpose of the present program is to build up the multidisciplinary research effort devoted to the development of novel medical techniques using functionalized nanoparticles. The proposed work aims particularly at:
a) Developing methods for target specific neuroimaging and in vivo monitoring of molecular markers of disease states and chemical signalling by functionalized nanoparticles in medicine and experimental research,
b) Development and optimization of preparative processes for manufacturing biomedically compatible nanomaterials including Nanostructured Films and Coatings on high strength substrates, for mechanical artificial valves, and other medical implants,
c) Characterization of nanoparticles in intact organs of a living body.

1. Objectives

Imaging Science research has a long and rich tradition at Rutgers University.  Across all three campuses and in both the School of Engineering and the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers has faculty who have made seminal contributions to basic imaging science research and applications of imaging science and technology in other disciplines.

Despite this impressive history, there is a need to develop a coordinated effort to respond to some of the new challenges in imaging science.  The purpose of this proposal to the Committee for the Future is to respond to these emerging challenges and to simultaneously develop coordinated efforts in the imaging sciences to tackle broad healthcare problems of importance to society.

A major shift in imaging research today is towards functional imaging – imaging systems that generate data on the dynamic behavior of processes and systems.  Historically, imaging systems yield static, structural (anatomical) data on the system under test.  Now, with better understanding of the technology and of the applications, there has been rapid progress in imaging systems that yield functional information.

The long term goal of the proposed research program is to address three very specific problem areas in functional imaging: Neuroscience; Functional Biomechanics; and Functionalized Nanoparticles for Neuroimaging.  We are proposing  the following specific aims:

1. To establish the Collaborative Center for Imaging Research: Our first specific aim is to establish and provide seed funding for the Collaborative Center for Imaging Research (CCIR), a joint Rutgers University-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School effort.  CCIR will be a multi-user, multi-disciplinary research facility dedicated to research and education in neuroscience imaging. The center will include affiliated research groups involved in both basic neuroscience and imaging technology.

2. To develop a research program in Functional Biomechanics: Currently, the most important clinical need in pre-operative planning is to increase functional realism in the patient specific models and simulations.  Our proposed development in Pre-operative CAD-FEA-Visualization-Simulation models will guide intra-operative actions to minimize tissue damage, and enable more specific interventions.  In addition, predictions of loads and deformation within the bony structures and connective tissues in both normal and pathological tissues will be developed.

3. To develop a research program in Functionalized Nanoparticles for Neuroimaging: The purpose of this program is to build up the multidisciplinary research effort devoted to the development of functionalized nanoparticles for advanced imaging techniques in novel medical applications. The objectives include: (a) Developing neuroimaging and in vivo monitoring of molecular markers of disease states and chemical signalling by functionalized nanoparticles; (b)Manufacturing biomedically compatible nanomaterials; and (c) Characterisation of nanoparticles in intact organs of a living body.

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