Nanotechnology
C. Shad Thaxton LabFabricating new nanomaterials and translational nanotechnology with regard to nanoparticle-based molecular diagnostics and nanotherapeutics.
Fabricating new nanomaterials and translational nanotechnology with regard to nanoparticle-based molecular diagnostics and nanotherapeutics.
Research Description
Shad Thaxton MD, PhD, invented, synthesized, and characterized the first biomimetic high-density lipoprotein nanoparticles. High density lipoproteins (HDLs) are natural nanoparticles that circulate in the human body to carry cholesterol. Cholesterol carried by HDLs is often referred to as “good cholesterol” because HDL blood levels inversely correlate with the development of cardiovascular disease. The Thaxton Group utilizes a gold nanoparticle scaffold to assemble the natural surface chemical components of HDLs to create synthetic HDL nanoparticles. The HDL nanoparticles recapitulate the size, shape, surface chemistry, and cholesterol binding properties of natural HDLs. As such, The Thaxton Lab is using these unique biomimetic materials to better understand the structure-function properties of natural HDLs and also as potential therapies for atherosclerosis and heart disease.
For more information, see the faculty profile of C. Shad Thaxton, MD, PhD.
Publications
View Dr. Thaxton's other publications at PubMed.
Contact
Phone 312-503-1826
Postdoctoral Fellows: Nick Angeloni, Kannan Mutharasan, Jonathan Rink
Graduate Students: Kaylin M. McMahon, Michael Plebanek, Sushant Tripathy, Andrea Luthi
Research Technician: Amritha Singh