Mandira Banik

The blood-brain barrier is a highly selective layer of endothelial cells that impedes passage of 98% of all known small molecules, inorganic complexes, and DNA-based probes into the brain. Furthermore, the central nervous system’s complex vasculature often results in inconsistent probe uptake by target neural and glial cells. Due to these major challenges, many powerful probes for small molecules and metal ions implicated in brain illnesses have limited use as in vivo detection agents. My research focuses on the development of biocompatible, noninvasive, and highly specific endogenous and artificial nanocarriers to deliver sensors for transient and essential small molecules and metal ions across the blood-brain barrier. This will further our knowledge of neurodegenerative disorders and brain cancers.