The research program of the Sinko group is focused on molecular biopharmaceutics and delivery systems design and discovery.

The group is organized into therapeutic areas focusing on AIDS, cancer, and chemical counter-terrorism. Drug delivery at the molecular scale (i.e., nano) using biodegradable and biocompatible polymer platforms is a central theme of the group. Current research is funded by grants from the NIH/NIAID (R37 AI51214) (R01 AI084137), NIH/NCI (R01 CA155061), and NIH/NIAMS (U54 AR055073). 

The scope of all current projects includes a molecular mechanistic component, chemical design and synthesis, and biological and efficacy characterization (in vitro, in situ, and in vivo) with an emphasis on translation from concept to the clinic.

Current projects (To see a listing of the Sinko group NIH projects click [here]).

AIDS: (1) eradication of HIV disease using nanocarriers that target T-cells and macrophages and enhance brain uptake (AI51214, PI = Sinko); and (2) prevention of HIV transmission using nanocarrier-based vaginal hydrogels to control bacterial vaginosis and kill HIV without drugs (AI084137, PI = Sinko)).

Cancer: (1) Non small cell lung cancer & metastasis treatment (CA155061, PI=Sinko); (2) treatment diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of invasive breast cancer; (3) identification and treatment of micrometastases; and (4) induction of apoptosis.

Chemical Counter-terrorism (AR055073): (1) spray-on/pour-on dermal delivery system for vesicant-induced wounds; (2) injectable aggregated nanogel particles for pulmonary delivery; and (3) PEG nanocarrier hydrogels for ocular delivery of MMP inhibitors. More information on the UMDNJ-Rutgers CounterACT Center can be found [here].