GOALI: Nanothermite Based Micro Shockwave Generators and Nanoparticles for Targeted and Efficient Gene/Drug Delivery

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GOALI: NANOTHERMITE BASED MICRO SHOCKWAVE GENERATORS ANDNANOPARTICLES FOR TARGETED AND EFFICIENT DRUG DELIVERYThe objective of this research is to develop a novel digitally controlled micro shockwavegenerator by integrating nanothermites with microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). Theapproach is based on shockwaves from redox reactions of nanothermites. The shockwaves areused to deliver genes and/or drugs into cells with high transfection efficiency and cell survival.Furthermore, organosilicate nanoparticles synthesized on site will be utilized as an effective andtargeted delivery vehicle via the shockwave.Intellectual Merit. The proposed miniaturized systems will cover the large impulse rangenecessary for permeabilization of a variety of cells and tissues with different mechanicalproperties and/or environments. Unlike physical gene delivery methods which rely on bulky andexpensive instrumentation or chemical delivery methods that exhibit low transfection efficiency,the proposed MEMS-based shockwave generator -- alone or in combination with nanoparticles -- will produce shockwave interactions and drug delivery at the single cell level, providingunprecedented control over cell transfection processes.Broader Impacts. The proposed research is expected to transform the study and understandingof biological processes in health and disease, and enable novel diagnostics and interventions.Educational objectives include recruitment of students from regional college programs, includingthose with predominantly Black and Hispanic enrollment and a summer ?Nano Camp? for highschool students. Undergraduate and graduate students, particularly from rural areas of Missouriwill be trained to develop leadership, ownership, mentoring, career skills and entrepreneurship toprepare them for the 21st century work force.