Kenneth Hulugalla, MSc
Glycopolymeric Nanoparticles for Personalized Tumor-Targeted Drug Delivery
Abstract
A critical limitation in nanomedicine is the unpredictable in vivo fate of nanoparticles, largely dictated by the patient-specific protein corona formed upon systemic exposure. Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), the current gold standard for nanoparticle coatings, suffers from immune recognition and accelerated clearance upon repeat dosing, limiting clinical utility. This project investigates glycopolymeric nanoparticles (GlycoNPs) as a PEG alternative that forms less immunogenic coronas and improves tumor accumulation. Using proteomics, mechanistic validation, and in vivo studies, we aim to (1) evaluate GlycoNP pharmacokinetics, immune responses, and therapeutic efficacy with repeat dosing; and (2) identify serum protein signatures that predict tumor uptake to enable personalized formulation selection. This work will establish design principles linking corona composition to delivery outcomes, enabling patient-specific nanoparticle optimization.
Receiving this fellowship means the opportunity to transform how we design cancer therapies, moving from trial-and-error to personalized precision medicines that could improve outcomes for millions of patients worldwide.
