Research Focus
Our research focuses on analysis of drug delivery to the lower female reproductive tract for purposes of prophylaxis against sexually transmitted diseases and/or for contraception. The primary motivation is delivery of topical microbicides to prevent infection with HIV. We study the distribution and retention ("deployment") of topical microbicidal formulations (e.g. gels or creams) over epithelial surfaces (where infection can begin). We also assess "delivery" of microbicidal molecules from those formulations to target fluids, tissues and pathogens in the vaginal environment. Fundamental studies integrate fluid and solid mechanics, rheology, surface science and mass transport processes, to understand the biophysical mechanisms of deployment and delivery. These basic studies are linked to direct measurements, using new instruments we are developing, of formulation distributions in the lower female reproductive tracts of women. We are also analyzing the adequacy of coating and drug delivery in neutralizing semen-borne HIV and inhibiting of early events of viral replication.
Our multidisciplinary research interfaces with developments, in the public and private sectors, of new molecules and products for use by women in preventing sexually transmitted diseases and/or for contraception. Support for our work has been received from the National Institutes of Health, the CONRAD program, the FDA, the American Foundation for AIDS Research, and the Institute for Reproductive Health.
Lab Members
Faculty
- Marcus H. Henderson, Ph.D., Assistant Research Professor
- David K. Walmer, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Professor
Collaborating Faculty
- Sarah L. Kieweg, Ph.D., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Kansas, Assistant Professor
- Patrick Kiser, Ph.D., Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Assistant Professor
- Andrew J. Szeri , Ph.D., Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, Professor
- Adam Wax, Ph.D., Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Assistant Professor
Staff
- Jennifer J. Peters, B.S., Associate in Research
- Mike DeSoto, B.S., Research & Development Engineer II
Students
- Anthony R. Geonnotti, B.S., Graduate Student, Biomedical Engineering, Duke University
- Bonnie Lai, B.S., Graduate Student, Biomedical Engineering, Duke University
- Su Chan Park, B.S., Graduate Student, Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley
- Dave Wu , Undergraduate Student, Duke University
Links
Duke University
NIH
CONRAD
FDA
amfAR
Institute for Reproductive Health
Population Council
Alliance for Microbicide Development
Family Health International