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Microencapsulation Lab

Ultrasound Contrast Agents
Pictured: A Pediatric Ventricular Assist Device (PVAD) under development to augment blood flow from the native ventricle to mechanically support the systemic circulation in patients with single ventricle or biventricular circulations.

Overview

Our work is at the interface of biotechnology and materials science. A major focus is the study and development of polymers to deliver drugs, particularly genetically engineered proteins, DNA and RNAi, continuously at controlled rates for prolonged periods of time. Work is in progress in the following areas:

  • Investigating the mechanism of release from polymeric delivery systems with concomitant microstructural analysis and mathematical modeling.
  • Studying applications of these systems including the development of effective long-term delivery systems for insulin, anti-cancer drugs, growth factors, gene therapy agents and vaccines.
  • Developing controlled release systems that can be magnetically, ultrasonically, or enzymatically triggered to increase release rates.

Website

Microencapsulation Laboratory  

Margaret Wheatley

Principal Investigator

Margaret Wheatley, PhD

John M. Reid Professor
School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems

Office: Bossone 511
Phone: 215.895.2232
Email: maw25@drexel.edu

Research Interests

Ultrasound contrast agent development (imaging, tumor targeting and triggered drug and oxygen delivery), controlled release technology (bioactive compounds), ex vivo gene therapy for spinal cord repair.



  • In the News


    • Margaret A. Wheatley, PhD, professor in the School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, was quoted in an April 21 Philadelphia Inquirer story about her experience as a former postdoctoral fellow in the lab of Robert S. Langer, a drug delivery pioneer.

      April 21, 2016

      Full Story