Resume

• 2014

  Master’s Degree

  Chemistry

  Nanoscience Technology Center

  University of Central Florida

  Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

  Formulation of novel in-vitro techniques

  physicochemical analysis

  and synthesis of new nanomaterials for further development of PBPK nanomaterial models

  Chemistry

  Nanoscience Technology Center

  University of Central Florida

• 2007

  English

  Spanish

  Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

  Chemistry

  University of Central Florida

• R&D

  Cell

  Laboratory

  Microscopy

  Life Sciences

  Cell Culture

  GLP

  Nanomaterials

  Protein Chemistry

  Assay Development

  Chemistry

  Cell Biology

  ADME

  Analytical Chemistry

  Drug Discovery

  Spectroscopy

  Chromatography

  Molecular Biology

  Biochemistry

  Biotechnology

  An in vitro assay and artificial intelligence approach to determine rate constants of nanomaterial-cell interactions

  In vitro assays and simulation technologies are powerful methodologies that can inform scientists of nanomaterial (NM) distribution and fate in humans or pre-clinical species. For small molecules

  less animal data is often needed because there are a multitude of in vitro screening tools and simulation-based approaches to quantify uptake and deliver data that makes extrapolation to in vivo studies feasible. Small molecule simulations work because these materials often diffuse quickly and partition after reaching equilibrium shortly after dosing

  but this cannot be applied to NMs. NMs interact with cells through energy dependent pathways

  often taking hours or days to become fully internalized within the cellular environment. In vitro screening tools must capture these phenomena so that cell simulations built on mechanism-based models can deliver relationships between exposure dose and mechanistic biology

  that is biology representative of fundamental processes involved in NM transport by cells (e.g. membrane adsorption and subsequent internalization). Here

  we developed

  validated

  and applied the FORECAST method

  a combination of a calibrated fluorescence assay (CF) with an artificial intelligence-based cell simulation to quantify rates descriptive of the time-dependent mechanistic biological interactions between NMs and individual cells. This work is expected to provide a means of extrapolation to pre-clinical or human biodistribution with cellular level resolution for NMs starting only from in vitro data.

  An in vitro assay and artificial intelligence approach to determine rate constants of nanomaterial-cell interactions

  Smart drug design for antibody and nanomaterial-based therapies allows optimization of drug efficacy and more efficient early-stage preclinical trials. The ideal drug must display maximum efficacy at target tissue sites

  with transport from tissue vasculature to the cellular environment being critical. Biological simulations

  when coupled with in vitro approaches

  can predict this exposure in a rapid and efficient manner. As a result

  it becomes possible to predict drug biodistribution within single cells of live animal tissue without the need for animal studies. Here

  we successfully utilized an in vitro assay and a computational fluid dynamic model to translate in vitro cell kinetics (accounting for cell-induced degradation) to whole-body simulations for multiple species as well as nanomaterial types to predict drug distribution into individual tissue cells. We expect this work to assist in refining

  reducing

  and replacing animal testing

  while providing scientists with a new perspective during the drug development process.

  Animal simulations facilitate smart drug design through prediction of nanomaterial transport to individual tissue cells

  Swadeshmukul Santra

  Maria Campos

  Jeremy Tharkur

  Quantum dot (Qdot) biosensors have consistently provided valuable information to researchers about cellular activity due to their unique fluorescent properties. Many of the most popularly used Qdots contain cadmium

  posing the risk of toxicity that could negate their attractive optical properties. The design of a non-cytotoxic probe usually involves multiple components and a complex synthesis process. In this paper

  the design and synthesis of a non-cytotoxic Qdot-chitosan nanogel composite using straight-forward cyanogen bromide (CNBr) coupling is reported. The probe was characterized by spectroscopy (UV-Vis

  fluorescence)

  microscopy (Fluorescence

  Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

  Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Dynamic Light Scattering. This activatable (“OFF”/“ON”) probe contains a core–shell Qdot (CdS:Mn/ZnS) capped with dopamine

  which acts as a fluorescence quencher and a model drug. Dopamine capped “OFF” Qdots can undergo ligand exchange with intercellular glutathione

  which turns the Qdots “ON” to restore fluorescence. These Qdots were then coated with chitosan (natural biocompatible polymer) functionalized with folic acid (targeting motif) and Fluorescein Isothiocyanate (FITC; fluorescent dye). To demonstrate cancer cell targetability

  the interaction of the probe with cells that express different folate receptor levels was analyzed

  and the cytotoxicity of the probe was evaluated on these cells and was shown to be nontoxic even at concentrations as high as 100 mg/L.

  Non-Cytotoxic Quantum Dot–Chitosan Nanogel Biosensing Probe for Potential Cancer Targeting Agent

  Price

  AEgis Technologies Group

  SISOM Thin Films

  LLC

  Valencia College

  Planar Energy Devices

  Inc.

  UCF NanoScience Technology Center

  AbbVie

  Suncoast Nanotech

  LLC

  Orlando

  Florida Area

  Construct Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models for prediction of systemic disposition for small molecules

  biologics

  and nanomaterials. Provide consulting to pharmaceuticals

  government agencies

  and private organizations interested in drug discovery/design

  toxicity testing

  and product development. \n\nProvide model development and user support for commercially available pharmacokinetic tools ADME Workbench (http://www.admewb.com/) and acslX (http://www.acslx.com/)\n\nBuilt various physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models for \n1. Inhalation route of exposure- deposition

  and systemic disposition of particulate and vapor phase materials. \n2. Perfusion and Diffusion-limited systemic disposition for small molecules and nanomaterials\n3. Dissolution and pH dependent pathways for various drugs and nanomaterials\n\nDevelopment

  incorporation

  and fusion of novel in-vitro techniques with in-silico approaches to acquire knowledge of in-vivo absorption

  distribution

  metabolism

  and excretion of xenobiotics.

  Scientist

  AEgis Technologies Group

  Orlando

  Florida Area

  Startup company focused primarily on the manufacture

  characterization

  and distribution of fluorescent bio-compatible nanomaterials for a variety of applications including biotechnology

  medicine

  agriculture

  and general laboratory synthesis. Our technology serves as an enabling tool for other scientists interested in addressing societal problems faced in both academia and industry.

  Co Owner

  Suncoast Nanotech

  LLC

  Orlando

  Florida

  Developing in vitro tools and methodologies to inform cell-based simulations for implementation into whole-body PBPK models. Establish strategies for implementing quantitative structure activity relationships (QSAR) and in vitro simulations/data to predict in vivo biodistribution. Design

  construction

  and implementation of mechanistic simulations for large molecules to facilitate in vivo preclinical and clinical PK. Translation of whole-body PBPK models across preclinical species and scaling to human (clinical) predictions. Perform PK/PD analysis using mathematical/statistical approaches for data associated with pharmacokinetics and drug metabolism. Establish

  facilitate

  and develop collaborations with scientists in order to further PK/PBPK research and development. Regularly prepare and present data related to absorption

  distribution

  metabolism

  and excretion (ADME/PK) to team members for project planning associated with preclinical and clinical PK. Conduct formal literature reviews for current in vitro/vivo/silico approaches for drug development and toxicology. Regularly write manuscripts and grant applications for timely delivery to regulatory agencies. Maintain the laboratory equipment (microscopes

  cell culture lab instrumentation

  etc.) and serve as technical expert and point of contact for training sessions associated with students (Bachelors

  Masters

  and PhD) interested in working in the cell culture laboratory. Educate

  mentor

  and train research experience for undergraduate (NSF REU) students interested in modeling and simulation as it pertains to PK/PD.

  Staff Scientist

  UCF NanoScience Technology Center

  Orlando

  Florida

  Teaching chemistry courses at the undergraduate level. This mostly involves teaching a variety of lecture courses as well as conducting laboratories. Some of the workload includes course planning

  writing and giving lectures

  creating and grading exams

  and helping students truly learn chemistry fundamentals.

  Adjunct Professor

  Valencia College

  Synthesis of gel-based conductive material for solid-state Copper Sulfide (CuS) Li-Ion battery for industrial applications.

  Laboratory Assistant

  Orlando

  Florida Area

  Planar Energy Devices

  Inc.

  Assist in the Research and Development (R&D) of Inorganic Cadmium

  Zinc

  Tin

  Sulfide/Selenide (CZTSSe) solar cells

  Research Assistant

  Orlando

  Florida Area

  SISOM Thin Films

  LLC

  Orlando

  Florida Area

  Primarily work in development of in-vitro assays that can be used for modeling and simulation. Special emphasis is paid on directly quantitative analysis of cellular kinetics with nanomaterials. Here

  we use instrumental techniques including confocal microscopy

  atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS)

  and a variety of fluorescence and absorption based techniques to visualize and quantify parameters involved in kinetics. A lot of work is involved in extrapolating in-vitro kinetics to in-vivo whole body PBPK simulations to capture whole-body disposition of macromolecules and nanomaterials.

  Research Assistant

  UCF NanoScience Technology Center

  North Chicago

  Illinois

  Senior Scientist

  Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics Modeling

  AbbVie