Program of Excellence in Nanotechnology

A highly collaborative and interdisciplinary Program of Excellence in Nanotechnology (PEN) has been established at Georgia Tech and Emory University. This research center integrates the bioengineering expertise of Georgia Tech and the cardiology strengths of Emory University School of Medicine. The broad and long-term goal of this PEN is to develop nanotechnology and biomolecular engineering tools and methodologies for the detection and molecular analysis of atherosclerotic plaque formation, which has a compelling medical need. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States: One out of every four Americans has cardiovascular disease, and every 30 seconds one person dies from this disease. Although significant advances have been made in the management and treatment of this disease, there is still a lack of understanding of the fundamental biology and pathophysiology of atherosclerosis, especially the molecular mechanisms responsible for plaque formation. As a result, early detection of atherosclerotic plaque is difficult, leading to a high rate of morbidity and mortality. We have been developing advanced nanotechnologies for molecular analysis of plaque formation and sensitive detection of plaques. Specifically, we have been developing: (1) the molecule beacon based technology for mRNA expression and localization in living cells in response to shear stress; (2) quantum dot (QD) based probes for studying protein interactions in cells; (3) QD probes for in vivo detection and analysis of plaques; (4) magnetic nanoparticle probes for in vivo plaque detection; (5) nanoparticle-based therapy for atherosclerosis; (6) activatable probes for detecting oxidative stress in living cells. This Program of Excellence in Nanotechnology at Georgia Tech and Emory University provides a truly outstanding environment for collaborative and translational cardiovascular research and training, and is expected to yield methodologies that can directly impact on clinical practice of early detection, diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerosis.

More Information

For more information about the NHLBI-PEN Projects please contact:

Dr. Gang Bao
College of Engineering Distinguished Professor
Department of Biomedical Engineering
Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University
Atlanta, GA 30332
Phone: 404-385-0373
Fax: 404-894-4243
E-mail: gang.bao@bme.gatech.edu