Research Outline:

The invasive nature and undesirable side-effects related to conventional cancer therapy, such as surgery and chemotherapy, have led to the development of novel drug delivery systems (DDS). A minimally invasive DDS using near-infrared (NIR) light as a trigger for drug release is investigated to reduce the adverse side-effects triggered by systemic delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs. The low tissue absorbance in the NIR region, nm, allows the irradiation to penetrate through tissues to release cisplatin from an NIR-sensitive nanocomposite of .

Our laboratory has recently shown that cisplatin can be effectively released from upon NIR irradiation. Cisplatin was loaded onto through its adsorption on COOH-functionalised alkanethiols coated on . The current work focuses on the development of methods to control the release of cisplatin. Drug release is controlled by either the irradiation parameters or the type of coatings. The effect of different coatings on NIR sensitivity and drug release is investigated. The effect of different surface layers on drug adsorption is currently being examined.

Research Experience:

Through SMA, I have been fortunate to be given the privilege to attend classes and conduct research at both MIT and NUS. The encouragement and support from my advisors, Associate Professor Chow Gan-Moog and Professor Jackie Ying, have been a source of motivation to strive towards achieving high-quality research. The open exchange of scientific and engineering ideas and methods from fellow research group members at both MIT and NUS offered new perspectives and brought my research to a higher level. In addition, this opportunity has given me the chance to be acquainted with research scientists from various departments at both universities. It has been a rewarding learning experience to witness the passion of researchers for the development of science and technology and research culture of various laboratories.