Date Approved

6-28-2024

Embargo Period

7-1-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

Department

Biomedical Engineering

College

Rowan-Virtua School of Translational Biomedical Engineering & Sciences

Advisor

Mark Byrne, Ph.D.

Committee Member 1

Dr. Mary Staehle, Ph.D.

Committee Member 2

Dr. Vincent Beachley, Ph.D.

Subject(s)

Nanoparticles; Drug delivery devices

Disciplines

Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering | Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Abstract

Novel anticancer delivery vehicles are arising from engineered nanostructured materials. This work involved the synthesis, characterization, and release of novel hollow core polymeric nanoparticles (HCPNPs) for controlled drug delivery. Polyethyleneimine (PEI) was bound to AuNPs, forming polymer-shell nanoparticles with dissolution of the gold core via iodine forming HCPNPs with drug intercalated DNA bound to the surface. A high density (85 molecules/particle) of DNA intercalated with daunorubicin was conjugated. Particles were spherical with an average diameter of 105.7 ± 17.3 nm and zeta potential of 20.4 ± 3.54 mV. We hypothesize the DNA backbone electrostatically condensed to the primary amines on the surface of the particle toroidally, weaving itself within the polymer shell. Ionic concentration and charge ratio modifications were investigated for DNA binding to determine the optimal method of particle synthesis. An average of 874 ± 40.1 daunorubicin molecules were loaded per HCPNP. Release of drug from hollow core formulation was observed to be greater than of solid core counterparts by 225 ± 44.6 mg more of drug per cm3. HCPP-DNA-Daun also exhibited extended release of over 12 hours in comparison to a 1-hour release from solid core counterparts. Cell studies showed HCPP-DNA-Daun induced 46% cellular death in comparison to cellular death of 12% in free drug equivalent. Lipid raft-endocytosis and clathrin-mediated endocytosis was determined to be the primary internalization methods of particles through endocytotic inhibitor exposure. HCPP-DNA-Daun have presented themselves as a novel anticancer effort with greater potential efficacy than traditional treatment methods.

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Available for download on Wednesday, July 01, 2026

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