Gail Matters, MS, PhD

Dr. Matters’ research focuses on novel ways to diagnose and treat cancer. In collaboration with Dr. James Adair’s lab at University Park, she has demonstrated effective encapsulation of phosphorylated analogs of the chemotherapy drugs 5-FU and gemcitabine into calcium-phosphosilicate nanoparticles as well as encapsulation and delivery of near-infrared imaging agents such as ICG. Her research group has utilized DNA aptamers, small oligonucleotides which bind to receptors on the surface of cancer cells, to target nanoparticles to tumor cells. These targeting aptamers enhance the delivery of therapeutic or imaging cargos to tumors in