PolymerDrugs
| PolymerDrugs are polymers that biodegrade into drug molecules to locally deliver therapeutics at site of implantation. A variety of labile bonds (e.g., anhydrides, esters and amids) and drugs (e.g., antibiotics, antiseptics and antimicrobials) are explored for medical application. Current Group Members |
 Honors & Awards GANN Fellowship, 2006-09, Rutgers University Chemistry 171 Teaching Excellence Awards, 2006-07, Rutgers University |
PhD Candidate, Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Fall 2005-present) BS Chemistry (2005) Ramapo College of NJ (Mahwah) My research focuses on the design and synthesis of novel biodegradable bioactive-based polyanhydrides for medical, pharmaceutical, personal care, cosmetics, food safety and other applications. The polymers are unique in that the bioactive molecule is chemically incorporated into the backbone of the polymer, so as the polymer undergoes hydrolytic degradation, the bioactive incorporated is released in a controlled, sustained manner. Varying chemical structure of the polymers controls the degradation rate, which can be tailored from hours to months depending on the application. Some current projects include: natural antimicrobial-based polyanhydrides for control of biofilm formation, fast degrading polyanhydrides for personal care, and antioxidant-based polyanhydrides for cosmetics/personal care. Overall, the main focus is to design, synthesize, characterize and study the degradation properties of biodegradable bioactive-based polymers and their applications. |
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PhD Candidate, Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Fall 2007-present) BS Chemistry (2005) Tsinghua University (Beijing, China) I am focusing on the design, synthesis and characterization of novel poly(anhydride-esters). Various types of drugs are investigated to be incorporated within the backbone of the biodegradable polymer, which releases drugs in a controlled fashion upon hydrolytic degradation. Specifically, my major research project attempts to address the issue of opioid drug abuse by the synthesis of opioid-based poly(anhydride-esters). The polymer will release the opioid drugs in a controlled manner in physiological condition, thus suppressing withdrawal symptoms and aiding medical treatment of drug addiction. Comparing to conventional controlled-release tablets featuring opioid drugs on the market, a critical advantage of the poly(anhydride-ester) is that its controlled-release profile will not be altered even if crushed, preventing prescription drug abuse. |
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 Honors & Awards S.T.E.M. Award, Summer 2008, Douglass College Wyeth Internship, Summer 2007, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals/Douglass Project for Rutgers Women in Math, Science and Engineering |
Undergraduate, Chemistry & Chemical Biology My research focuses on synthesis and characterization of biodegradable poly(anhydride-esters) and poly(anhydride-ester) precursors, also known as diacids, created in the lab. Drug and linker structures of diacids and polymers are varied and changes in physiochemical properties are evaluated using DSC, 1H NMR, FTIR, solubility, and GPC. |