Small Molecule Encapsulation in H₂O₂ Reactive Nanoparticles

This project investigates the ability of APP-103^TM, a novel polymer-based nanoparticle, to encapsulate small molecules. APP-103^TM contains a polyoxalate ester that scavenges the reactive oxygen species (ROS) hydrogen peroxide, which is a cause of a condition known as acute kidney injury. This research explores the conditions needed for APP-103^TM to be able to encapsulate additional components to expand its functionality. This is done by adding small molecules such as dyes during the formation of APP-103^TM, which is made via an emulsification-solvent evaporation method. Techniques including absorption spectroscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) can be used to observe whether or not these components are successfully encapsulated. It is also necessary to determine the mechanisms by which they get released from the particle cores, as well as whether these additional small molecules affect the functionality of APP-103^TM.