Publications
Design of messenger RNA lipid nanoparticles for cancer immunotherapy Ghent University
In the last three decades, an improved understanding of the mRNA pharmacology, together with novel insights in immunology have positioned mRNA-based technologies as next-generation vaccines. In this thesis, the specific aim was to design an mRNA vaccine for cancer immunotherapy with potential to evoke cytotoxic T cell responses against established tumors. In general, the success of an mRNA vaccine formulation will be determined on its capacity ...
Trap levels in persistent phosphors for bio-imaging Ghent University
Longitudinal in vivo assessment of host-microbe interactions in a murine model of pulmonary aspergillosis Ghent University KU Leuven
Sonoprinting liposomes on tumor spheroids by microbubbles and ultrasound Ghent University KU Leuven
Sonoprinting of nanoparticle-loaded microbubbles : unraveling the multi-timescale mechanism Ghent University
Ultrasound-triggered microbubble-assisted drug delivery is a promising tool for localized therapy. Several studies have shown the potential of nanoparticle-loaded microbubbles to effectively enhance the delivery of therapeutic agents to target tissue. We recently discovered that nanoparticle-carrying microbubbles can deposit the nanoparticles in patches onto cell membranes, a process which we termed 'sonoprinting'. However, the biophysical ...
Exploring light-sensitive nanocarriers for simultaneous triggered antibiotic release and disruption of biofilms upon generation of laser-induced vapor nanobubbles Ghent University
Impaired penetration of antibiotics through bacterial biofilms is one of the reasons for failure of antimicrobial therapy. Hindered drug diffusion is caused on the one hand by interactions with the sticky biofilm matrix and on the other hand by the fact that bacterial cells are organized in densely packed clusters of cells. Binding interactions with the biofilm matrix can be avoided by encapsulating the antibiotics into nanocarriers, while ...
Laser-induced vapor nanobubbles improve diffusion in biofilms of antimicrobial agents for wound care Ghent University
Being responsible for delayed wound healing, the presence of biofilms in infected wounds leads to chronic, and difficult to treat infections. One of the reasons why antimicrobial treatment often fails to cure biofilm infections is the reduced penetration rate of antibiotics through dense biofilms. Strategies that have the ability to somehow interfere with the integrity of biofilms and allowing a better penetration of drugs are highly sought ...
Nanocarrier lipid composition modulates the impact of pulmonary surfactant protein B (SP-B) on cellular delivery of siRNA Ghent University
Two decades since the discovery of the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway, we are now witnessing the approval of the first RNAi-based treatments with small interfering RNA (siRNA) drugs. Nevertheless, the widespread use of siRNA is limited by various extra- and intracellular barriers, requiring its encapsulation in a suitable (nanosized) delivery system. On the intracellular level, the endosomal membrane is a major barrier following endocytosis of ...
Comparison of MRI properties between multimeric DOTAGA and DO3A gadolinium-dendron conjugates Ghent University
The inherent lack of sensitivity of MRI needs the development of new Gd contrast agents in order to extend 20Hz,37%, the application of this technique to cellular imaging. For this purpose, two multimeric MR contrast agents obtained by peptidic coupling between an amido amine dendron and GdDOTAGA chelates (premetalation strategy, G1-4GdDOTAGA) or DO3A derivatives which then were postmetalated (G1-4GdDO-3A) have been prepared. By comparison to ...