The Department of Chemistry kicks off its fall semester seminar series with a talk presented by our own Dr. Gagandeep Singh.
Friday, 9/4/2026
3:00-4:00pm Eastern
Grote 411

Title: Ionic Liquids as Functional Biomaterials for Targeted Drug Delivery

Gagandeep Singh, Ph.D.

UTC

Abstract:

Biological performance of nanomaterials is largely governed by interactions occurring at complex nano-bio interfaces. These interactions influence cellular uptake, biodistribution, circulation behavior, and ultimately therapeutic efficacy. Ionic liquids provide a unique molecular platform for regulating such interactions because their structures can be systematically tuned through independent modification of cationic and anionic components. This tunability enables the design of functional nano-biomaterials by integrating ionic liquids with nanoparticles, lipid assemblies, polymers, and biomolecular systems to control interfacial properties that govern biological fate. Our recent studies have shown that glyco-ionic liquid functionalization enhances nanoparticle affinity for triple-negative breast cancer cells through glucose transporter-mediated interactions and endocytic uptake pathways. These surface modifications also promote interactions with erythrocytes, resulting in extended blood circulation and reduced liver accumulation in vivo. Related efforts have expanded these design principles to ionic liquid-lipid assemblies, poly-ionic liquid nanocarriers, and biomolecule-ionic liquid formulations for improved drug loading, stability, and transport. Together, these findings establish ionic liquids as versatile biomaterials for controlling biological fate and advancing targeted therapeutic delivery.