Vacavia McKenzie
MIT Department: Chemical Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Prof. Paula Hammond
Research Supervisor: Margaret Billingsley
Undergraduate Institution: Voorhees University
Hometown: Freeport, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas
Website:
Biography
Vacavia McKenzie is a rising junior pursuing a major in Biology at Voorhees University. Hailing from the beautiful islands of The Bahamas, she strives to obtain her life-long aspiration as a pediatric doctor. She remains curious and optimistic as she searches for opportunities that may expose her to research. She is participating in MSRP researching drug delivery nanoparticles used to target ovarian cancer. She hopes to obtain knowledge so that she may return home and make an impact on her hometown as a physician. She spends her time participating in numerous extracurricular activities like conferences, lab projects, student organizations, and the Voorhees University Choir. Her hobbies include singing, baking, and learning foreign languages. She aims to encourage others to reach their full potential and exceed all expectations. As she propels through life, she constantly reflects on the bible verse Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declared the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Abstract
Layer By Layer Nanoparticle Conjugation Strategies for Cytokine Delivery in Ovarian Cancer
Vacavia Mckenzie¹, Margaret Billingsley2, Paula Hammond2
1Department of Biology, Voorhees University
2Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer related mortality in women. Due to the lack of success from conventional therapies, immunotherapy is gaining significant attention as a promising option for the development of therapeutic treatments for ovarian cancer research. Nanoparticles are used to transport cytokines that induce a proinflammatory immune response into tumor micro-environments. In this study, highly soluble liposomal based nanoparticles deliver Interleukin-12 (IL-12) to activate immune cells while reducing toxicity and increase biocompatibility. It is suggested that polymeric layer by layer methods and highly effective IL-12 conjugation techniques are linked to prolonged cytokine retention which improves stability, ensures IL-12 reaches its target areas as well as maintain continuous activation of immune cells. This study focuses on comparing different molecular conjugation techniques of Nickel-His and Cobalt chemistries by nanoparticle’s size, loading efficiency and protein retention to observe their stability in media. This study also aims to confirm the importance of polymeric layer by layer methods in nanoparticle delivery. Preliminary observations suggest that cobalt conjugated nanoparticles retain IL-12 more effectively than nickel nanoparticles. By rigorously evaluating and refining the covalent chemistries of nanoparticles, the efficacy and safety of targeting ovarian cancer cells can be significantly enhanced.
