Christina Tang, Ph.D.
Research program member: Developmental Therapeutics
Box 843028
601 W. Main St.
Richmond, VA 23284
804-827-1917
Email: ctang2@vcu.edu
Affiliations
Assistant Professor, Chemical and Life Science Engineering, College of Engineering
Education
MS, North Carolina State University (2010)
PhD, North Carolina State University (2012)
Research description
We formulate polymer nanoparticles encapsulating chemotherapies using Flash NanoPrecipitation (FNP), a rapid, scalable method in which PEGylated block copolymers direct nanoparticle self-assembly. Leveraging new methods in self-assembly driven by tannic acid complex formation and hydrogen bonding, we have developed a pH labile nanoparticle platform. Paclitaxel, a common chemotherapeutic agent, was 5-fold more potent (as indicated by a decrease in inhibitory concentration) when encapsulated using our nanoparticle platform compared to free drug. We are currently studying the potency of drug combinations.
Research keywords
Cancer therapy resistance,Targeted therapies