The specific aims of this proposal are to: (1) Develop drug carriers which bear ligands to adhesion molecules expressed on irradiated endothelial cells. The carriers will be made of polystyrene (model carriers), as well as pharmacologically relevant biodegradable polymers. (2) Quantify the extent of selective and specific adhesion/deposition of drug carriers on irradiated endothelial cells under in vitro flow conditions that stimulate flow conditions present in vivo. (3) Demonstrate the feasibility of this targeted delivery technology in vivo in a mouse closed cranial window model.
