Dr. Berlin, Jacob

Presentation day

Tuesday  8:50 AM

 

TITLE

Controlled Assembly of Biocompatible Metallic Nanoaggregates Using a Small Molecule Crosslinker

 

Abstract

The controlled assembly of biocompatible nanoparticle aggregates using small molecule
crosslinker has been a long standing challenge, likely owing to difficulties in controlling rates of initiation,
propagation and termination. Here we demonstrate that adjusting the concentration of the starting
nanoparticles or the crosslinker allows for the preparation of relatively homogenous aggregates from
metallic nanoparticles of varied composition and size, presumably by controlling the rates of initiation and
propogation. Capping reactive thiols on the formed aggregates with PEG-maleimide provides a termination
step and renders the aggregates stable and biocompatible. The size of the aggregates can be
systematically adjusted. The aggregates are biocompatible and show no toxicity when incubated with cells.
Finally, the aggregates are highly stable and appear unchanged after uptake by cells. It is expected that
this straightforward and inexpensive assembly of highly stable nanoparticle aggregates will expand the
biological applications of this class of materials. Furthermore, this method for preparing aggregates is
highly modular as the crosslinker, the building block nanoparticles and the exterior coating can all be
independently varied and the use of alternative crosslinkers and capping agents will enable applications in
diverse material applications.

CV

2001 - Harvard University, B.A., Chemistry, Magna Cum Laude

2007 - California Institute of Technology, Ph.D., Chemistry

2010-Present, Assistant Professor, Molecular Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, Duarte, CA