Drug delivery technology to increase the water solubility of gambogic acid and its interaction with activated macrophages

My project focuses on using a chemistry-based approach to improve the delivery of an insoluble compound, gambogic acid (GA). GA is a natural product that has great potential as an anti-inflammatory drug. However, its clinical application has been limited due to the poor aqueous solubility and significant toxicity against red blood cells. I am currently working on developing a nanoparticle delivery system for GA with the aims of increasing its solubility and interaction with activated macrophages, the major player in many inflammatory diseases. Once I develop a nanoparticle delivery system for GA, I will then study the interaction between GA and macrophages and determine the effects that GA has on overactivated macrophages.

Faculty Supervisor:

Shyh-Dar Li

Student:

Partner:

Tokushima University

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program:

Globalink Research Award