A multiplexed approach to improve tumoral targeting and chemotherapeutic treatment

Active Research Project
Investigator(s): 
Vanessa Bellat, Ph.D. Benedict Law, Ph.D.
Last Updated: 
January 2, 2022

Drawbacks of nanoparticles are: poor tissue extravasation, incomplete drug release, and off-targeted delivery to the reticuloendothelial system and organs. The Law lab developed a new nanofiber platform (NFP) displaying a unique dimension (0.5 x 5 x 100 nm) different from other nanoparticles. The NFP has an excellent tumor-targeting property (see film below). It can structurally transform into 10 times larger interfibril networks, serving as in situ depot promoting weeks-long local retention. Used as a drug carrier, the NFP initiates superior therapeutic disease progression inhibition. It improves the survival of animals bearing triple-negative breast cancer tumors, while exhibiting a favorable toxicity profile.

(1) Bellat V., et al., Functional Peptide Nanofibers with Unique Tumor Targeting and Enzyme-Induced Local Retention Properties, Advanced Functional Materials28(44): 2018.

(2) Bellat V., et al., Smart Nanotransformers with Unique Enzyme-Inducible Structural Changes and Drug Release Properties, Biomacromolecules, 17(6):2040-9: 2016.

(3) Wagh A., A short circulating peptide nanofiber as a carrier for tumoral delivery, Nanomedicine, 9(4):449-57: 2013.

A multiplexed approach to improve tumoral targeting and chemotherapeutic treatment

A multiplexed approach to improve tumoral targeting and chemotherapeutic treatment

Weill Cornell Medicine
Department of Radiology
525 East 68th Street New York, NY 10065