News Releases from 2023
'Plug and Play' Nanoparticles Could Make It Easier To Tackle Various Biological Targets
UC San Diego engineers have developed modular nanoparticles that can be easily customized to target different biological entities such as tumors, viruses or toxins. The surface of the nanoparticles is engineered to host any biological molecules of choice, making it possible to tailor the nanoparticles for a wide array of applications, ranging from targeted drug delivery to neutralizing biological agents. Full Story
Nanoparticle Vaccine Could Curb Cancer Metastasis to Lungs by Targeting a Protein
UC San Diego engineers have developed an experimental vaccine that could prevent the spread of metastatic cancers to the lungs. Its success lies in targeting a protein known to play a central role in cancer growth and spread, rather than targeting the primary tumor itself. Full Story
Nanoparticles Made From Plant Viruses Could Be Farmers' New Ally in Pest Control
UC San Diego engineers have devised a new solution to control a major agricultural menace, root-damaging nematodes. Using plant viruses, the researchers created nanoparticles that can deliver pesticide molecules to previously inaccessible depths in the soil. This "precision farming" approach could potentially minimize environmental toxicity and cut costs for farmers. Full Story
Biodegradable Polymer System Offers New Hope for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis
A team led by engineers at the University of California San Diego has developed a biodegradable polymer system to treat rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune and inflammatory disease, by working in concert with the power of the human immune system. Full Story
A New Technique Creates Greater Fidelity in Bioprinting Functional Human Tissues
A team of researchers at UC San Diego has made significant advances in solving some of the most vexing challenges in bioprinting 3D-engineered tissues while meeting the key requirements of high cell density, high cell viability and fine fabrication resolution. The research led by nanoengineers at the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering was published in the February 22, 2023 issue of Science Advances. Full Story