التكنولوجيا وأخبارها بوابة الإمارات لتكنولوجيا المعلومات والإتصالات
AUS professor presents breakthroughs in targeted drug delivery for cancer treatment
As researchers from American University of Sharjah (AUS) continue to make innovative breakthroughs in cancer treatment research. Renowned AUS professor Dr. Ghaleb Husseini recently delivered
an insightful lecture on targeted drug delivery in cancer treatment as part of
the College on Engineering’s (CEN) lecture series, highlighting his novel work
in the area of ultrasonic drug delivery.
A faculty member from the AUS Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering,
Professor Husseini is a leading researcher in the field of ultrasonic drug
delivery. His work involves developing new drug delivery systems to minimize
the side effects of chemotherapy. By encapsulating the chemotherapeutic agent
in a nano-sized carrier until it reaches the tumor site, the body’s healthy
cells can avoid interaction with the cancer-fighting drugs.
AUS’ ongoing research endeavors involve the Drug Delivery
Research Group, whose members are investigating novel ways to enhance drug
delivery to cancer cells. In addition to using ultrasound as a trigger
mechanism, the team is employing the biological lock-and-key (receptor binding)
mechanism to improve the accumulation and targeting of drugs at the tumor site.
By adding a key to the surface of the nanocarrier that fits the locks
(receptors) on the surface of cancer cells, the researchers hope to increase
the effectiveness of the treatment while minimizing side effects.
The Drug Delivery Research Group, established in 2012,
comprises AUS faculty, graduate and undergraduate students, and post-doctoral
associates. The group is currently running experiments to find the most
effective ultrasound parameters (frequency, ultrasound strength and pulse
duration) and has applied for a patent on the use of antibodies (i.e., the key
being an antibody) on the surface of nanocarriers and ultrasound in treating
breast cancer.
“Targeted drug delivery using ultrasound is a promising approach to reduce the side
effects of chemotherapy and improve the efficacy of cancer treatment. Our
research aims to develop safe and effective nanocarriers that can selectively
deliver chemotherapeutic agents to the tumor site, while sparing healthy
tissues. I am excited to share our findings and discuss the potential impact of
this technology on cancer patients’ lives,” said Professor Husseini.
During the lecture, Professor Husseini presented his latest findings indicating that
targeted and ultrasound drug delivery improved in vitro delivery by 200 percent
compared to the technology currently being employed in clinics and shared his
insights on targeted drug delivery in cancer treatment. In addition to
discussing the benefits of targeted drug delivery, Professor Husseini provided
valuable information on the process of obtaining a US patent in this research
domain.
Dr. Rana Sabouni, Associate Professor in the AUS Department of Chemical and
Biological Engineering, hosted the lecture and expressed her enthusiasm about it,
saying, “I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to welcome Professor
Husseini to our CEN Lecture Series to share his ground-breaking research work
in targeted drug delivery for cancer treatment. Our lecture series is dedicated
to bringing together experts from various fields of engineering to share their
knowledge and insights with AUS’ community. I am proud to be part of a
a university that values and supports innovative research.”
The CEN Lecture Series organized by the AUS College of Engineering is a platform
for leading researchers and experts in various fields of engineering to share
their knowledge and insights with students, faculty and the broader community.
Asa leading university in the region, AUS has built a strong reputation as a hub
for research, scholarly and creative activities. AUS faculty are active
researchers, making breakthroughs and discoveries in areas that impact society
and the future, contributing to the body of scholarly knowledge. For more
information on research being conducted in the College of Engineering, visit www.aus.edu/cen.
