Lipoproteins are naturally occurring core-shell nanostructures, ranging from 7nm to over a micron in size, they serve as the main transport vehicles for cholesterol and triacylglycerol in mammalian systems. The low-density lipoprotein (LDL) species, in particular, has drawn the attention of many cancer researchers since many tumors over-express the LDL receptor (LDLR). Studies in our lab focus on utilizing LDL to deliver anticancer agents to cancer cells. Formulating conventional drugs into the LDL nanoparticle has produced limited results, as such a group adopts an unconventional approach of reconstituting the LDL nanoparticle with bioactive lipids for tumor management /therapy. The natural omega-3 fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which displays potent anti-inflammatory and anticancer activity has been the lead active agent in the Corbin Lab LDL nanomedicine program.
Innovative and unconventional thinking drive novel formulations for nanoparticle synthesis and characterization.
