Over the course of my research career, I have focused on using polymeric mechanisms to more effectively deliver drugs. As an undergraduate, I worked to characterize the thermal properties of a series of multi-armed, resorcinarene- and calixarene-core polylactide star polymers with wide-ranging molecular weights. Polylactides have been used in a variety of applications, including drug delivery devices; however, architectural diversity within this class of polymers is limited, somewhat limiting their uses. Using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), we discovered that the star polylactides had significantly lower percent crystallinaties and melting points than their linear counterparts. Additionally, annealing low molecular weight star polylactides at varied times suggests that the percent crystallinity of these polymers can be controlled, leading to a diverse range of applications. As a Ph.D. Candidate in analytical chemistry, my research focuses on the development of polymeric microneedles for transdermal therapeutic delivery. Many microneedle-based delivery systems require long fabrication times and are not easily scalable, hindering the advancement of biodegradable microneedles. We have fabricated arrays of discrete microneedles on flexible, water-soluble substrates via Particle Replication in Nonwetting Templates (PRINT�) technology, an easily scalable roll-to-roll process. The flexibility imparted into the substrate allows the array of highly-dense microprojections to avoid the �bed of nails� effect and break the epidermis more efficiently. Microneedle devices of this nature may be used to deliver many therapeutic cargos, including small molecules, proteins, and nano- and micro-particles for applications in vaccines, routine injections, and cancer treatment. The characterization of these devices utilizes a wide range of analytical techniques, including imaging modalities (scanning electron, confocal, brightfield, and fluorescent microscopy), liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, and DSC. I plan to use my background in drug delivery and strong analytical foundation to continue the investigation of effective therapeutic transport and gain fundamental knowledge about the ideal properties of a carrier.

Understanding drug delivery: Innovative strategies for the effective transport of therapeutics

248th National Meeting (2014)

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