Squishy Physics - Apoorva Sarode

 

Biologically Inspired Approaches for Effective Drug Delivery

 

Apoorva Sarode

School of Engineering and Applied Sciences 

Harvard University

Over eons of evolution, biological systems have reached an unparalleled sophistication in their performance. The wide array of nano- and microscale entities in nature, from spiral-shaped bacteria to biconcave red blood cells, hints at the importance of shape in biology. Furthermore, the distinct features like size and rigidity of these cells are very crucial to carry out their native functions. Inspired by these cues, we are developing various polymer-based biomimetic carriers for targeted drug delivery. This talk will shed light on our lab’s contribution in understanding the effect of physico-mechanical parameters of polymeric particles in drug delivery (uptake, circulation, targeting, etc.). The discussion will also focus on application of these fundamental findings for the treatment of cancer and cardiovascular disorders.