Delivery vectors, microspheres

As an undergraduate, Jonathan Behrendt studied for a B.Sc. in Chemistry and Law from the University of Exeter, where he was awarded a 2.1 hons. degree in 2001. He went on to study for a Ph.D. in chemistry at University College London, with Dr. Helen Hailes. His Ph.D. research project focused on the use of polymeric supports for the synthesis of structurally defined oligomers and cyclic ethers. Having been awarded his Ph.D. in 2005, he is currently working on the synthesis and functionalization of polystyrene microspheres as cellular delivery vectors, in the research group of Dr. Andy Sutherland at Aston University. 

Mah CEA (2000) Microsphere-mediated delivery of recombinant AAV vectors in vitro and in vivo. Mol Ther 1 S239... 

Investigational gene therapies are comprised of two components the DNA itself (the construct ) and usually a method of delivery ( the vector ). Naked DNA can be injected but its expression is inefficient. Vectors may include viruses. However, such viruses have to be human, and their attenuation sometimes is lost after administration, leading to very serious adverse events. Nonviral vectors can include targeted liposomes, microspheres and emulsions. 

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