Zhenjia Wang

Email Address: zhenjia@uic.edu
College: Medicine Department: Pharmacology
Secondary Department: Bioengineering
Title: Research Assistant Professor
Office: 312-355-3610
Participating in the Chancellor’s Undergraduate Research Awards program: Yes

Research Interest:
My research is to exploit nanotechnology to resolve the problems that limit the targeted and effective delivery of therapeutics in the inflammatory mouse model. The first project is to understand how we effectively deliver nanoparticles to and across endothelium. We have identified that caveolae (endothelial invagination-derived vesicle, 50-100 nm) are able to internalize and transport nanoparticles, and the nanoparticle transport is dependent on size of nanoparticles and surface ligand coating. We are to design the nanoparticle-based therapeutics used in treating acute lung injury. The second project is to understand the molecular mechanism that controls the internalization of albumin nanoparticles by neutrophils. We have demonstrated the efficient internalization of albumin nanoparticles in activated neutrophils in the cremaster muscle venules of live mice using high-resolution and multi-color microscopy. We are working on the development of drug-loaded albumin nanoparticles used for treating neutrophil-mediated inflammatory diseases.

Minimum time commitment in hours per week: 10

Qualifications of a Student:
Minimum GPA: 3.0; Senior students who have the background in biology, chemistry or bioengineering.

Brief Summary of what is expected from the student:
Senior students is expected to have the basic knowledge in biology, chemistry or bioengineering. He or She will work in the lab at least 10 hours twice a week. He or she has the good communication skills and can work independently.

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