Grant: Project Grant

Normal brain function requires a highly regulated and controlled environment. The brain capillaries that form the blood-brain barrier (BBB) have a special role in maintaining the proper brain environment. However, for many brain related diseases and disorders, the limited BBB permeability of drugs presents a substantial obstacle to effective treatment. This is certainly the case for glioblastomas, the most commonly occurring brain tumor in adults. Our project builds on our previous work establishing an approach for delivery of magnetic nanoparticles across the BBB. In the present study, we examine the use of magnetic nanoparticles as drug carriers to increase drug delivery to the brain and improve the treatment of brain tumors. The specific aims of this research project are to examine the influence of nanoparticle shape, and surface chemistry to hone in on the optimal magnetic nanoparticle composition for enhanced BBB penetration. Based on our previous studies, we believe non-spherical shaped nanoparticles will provide better BBB penetration and better magnetic targeting properties. These magnetic nanoparticles will be evaluated for delivery of drug and therapeutic response in a series of patient derived glioblastoma cells. Those nanoparticles with the best response in cell culture will be examined for effectiveness in an animal model of glioblastoma. In addition, the effects of the magnetic nanoparticles on normal cellular function in the brain will be examined. The ultimate goal of these studies is to provide a new method for the safe and effective treatment of brain tumors and potentially other brain related diseases.