Kakkar Group has two inter-linked themes that are utilized in tandem to address key problems in a number of areas including biology. The research seeks to simplify the design of well-defined functionalized nanostructures through simple and high yield chemistry, and provide opportunities for the rational design of new technologies in drug delivery and diagnostics. Our research is highly interdisciplinary and offers opportunities to advantageously combine principles of synthetic chemistry and materials science.
Macromolecules
Nanocarriers serve a critical role in directing drugs to diseased site, and their efficacy is a measure of our ability to manage high morbidity rate diseases. Advances in synthetic methodologies have expanded their scope from linear block-copolymers to branched (miktoarm polymers) and hyperbranched (dendrimers) macromolecules, to hybrids thereof (telodendrimers). Structural diversity is key in understanding and providing solutions to ever increasing complexity of diseases.
Evolution of macromolecular complexity in drug delivery systems. Nat. Rev. Chem. 2017, 1, 0063
Miktoarm Star Polymers with Environment-Selective ROS/GSH Responsive Locations: From Modular Synthesis to Tuned Drug Release through Micellar Partial Corona Shedding and/or Core Disassembly. Macromol. Biosci. 2021, 21(2), 2000305
Miktoarm Star Polymers: From Basics of Branched Architecture to Synthesis, Self-assembly and Applications.
Editor: Ashok Kakkar
Metal nanoparticles
Imaging protocols are integrated and essential components in evaluating the performance of therapeutic interventions, and for early detection and prevention of diseases including atherosclerosis, cancer etc. Functionalized metal based nanostructures such as iron oxide nanoparticles and gold nanoshells offer significant potential in surveying disease sites through magnetic resonance imaging and surface plasmon resonance, respectively.
Adv. Colloid Interface Sci, 2013, 199-200, 95-113
Gold: a versatile tool for in vivo imaging. J. Mater. Chem. B, 2013, 1(1), 9-25