Nanotherapeutic biomaterials to modulate ferroptosis

The balance of cellular life and death is meticulously controlled in our bodies every day. However, perturbations in this balance can lead to pathological consequences and disease. I study a cell death pathway termed ferroptosis. Ferroptosis is implicated in many conditions, including Alzheimer’s. Pharmacological agents exist targeting ferroptosis, though their success is limited due to poor clinical performance. To study the potential of targeting this pathway in disease, my thesis perused new polymer nanotechnology platforms in which to anchor inhibitors of ferroptosis endowing them with superior pharmacological properties. I hope to advance the development of anti-ferroptosis nanomaterials and look to further validate their potential in future applications to complex disease pathology.