We investigate how the surface properties of nanoparticles influence their interactions with immune and epithelial cells at mucosal sites.
Inspired by gut microbes, our biomimetic nanoparticles are engineered for enhanced mucus penetration and transcytosis through the intestinal epithelium.
Colorectal cancer (CRC) affects over 15,000 Australians annually, with a high recurrence rate. One of the most promising ways to prevent CRC from returning is through vaccines that help the body’s immune system recognize and fight off cancer cells. Our research focuses on developing oral vaccines to prevent CRC relapse by stimulating a strong antitumour immune response in the gut. Existing adjuvants, such as Alum, are ineffective in triggering cellular immunity and also not optimal for oral delivery. Our virus mimicking nanoparticles based NanoAdjuvants with surface spikes adhere to the gut lining, enhancing local immune activation fighting against cancer cells.
We are developing an inhalable platform for delivering mRNA vaccines and therapeutics to treat respiratory diseases, such as respiratory viruses and inflammatory diseases.While mRNA medicines show great promise, delivering them effectively to specific regions of the lungs remains challenging. Our platform stabilizes RNA in dry powder form, which extends storage life without requiring refrigeration and enables easier worldwide distribution. The platform can be adapted to target different respiratory tract regions and specific lung cells, allowing efficient production of therapeutic proteins where needed. This project is part of a broader program to advance inhalable RNA medicines.
