Ashish Garg1, Eman Haidari2, and Efrosini Kokkoli1. (1) Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, (2) Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455
The goal of our studies is to develop selective drug delivery systems by incorporating in nanoparticles such as stealth liposomes (liposomes covered with polyethylene glycol) biomimetic peptide-amphiphiles (bullets) that recognize and bind in a specific manner to targets of choice. An example will be discussed of a design that targets colorectal cancer cells by specifically targeting the α5β1 integrin receptor. We have recently designed a novel biomimetic peptide-amphiphile that gives specific and strong adhesion with the integrin. Preliminary data will demonstrate that α5β1-targeted drug delivery systems can efficiently bind and internalize to colorectal cancer cells that overexpress the integrin receptor.