Research
Research Overview
At the Melancon Lab, our research focuses on the development of biomaterials loaded with drugs or cells to address critical challenges in oncology and vascular diseases. In oncology, these advanced delivery systems power hydrogels for liver hypertrophy, therapeutic bone cements for bone metastasis, and oral patches for cancer treatment-induced mucositis. In vascular diseases, we integrate these biofunctional materials into next-generation IVC filters, protective fistula wraps, and vascular grafts.
Development of multifunctional theranostic nanoparticles and biomaterials
Theranostic nanoparticles and biofunctional materials integrate imaging, targeting, and therapeutic capabilities into unified delivery platforms. Our laboratory engineers bioconjugates, nanoparticles, and biomaterials across a spectrum of nanotherapies and adjunctive treatments for cancer.
For liver cancer, we advance preoperative liver growth therapies — such as stem cell treatments and portal vein embolization — that are evaluated through preclinical animal models and optimized via computational CT and DSA perfusion modeling. To address tumor-induced bone metastasis, we combine targeted nanodelivery platforms (liposomes, PLGA) and homing agents with adjunctive treatments like radioactive drugs (Ra-223) or bone augmentation cements. We support these targeted approaches with minimally invasive ablation therapies (electroporation, photothermal, focused ultrasound) and engineer core nanotherapies for bimodal imaging and targeted radiosensitization.
Development of nanoparticle-enhanced absorbable cell or drug-eluting polymeric vascular filters, wraps and grafts
Absorbable vascular medical devices that can be deployed and monitored by conventional imaging modalities can revolutionize the prevention or treatment of cardiovascular diseases caused by neointimal hyperplasia.
Our laboratory specializes in optimizing different polymer solutions of varying properties that can be loaded with a multitude of agents, such as nanoparticles, drugs, and cells. We then employ multiple fabrication techniques, including wet dipping, electrospinning, or 3D printing technologies, to produce medical devices that can provide structural and functional support to diseased blood vessels.