Researchers at PNNL are developing new stimuli sensitive polymers to deliver therapeutic agents directly to a cancer tumor site. Polymers turn from liquid form to a solid gel under various stimuli such as body heat. While initial research was funded by DOE, PNNL now is applying National Institutes of Health funding to optimize the material's performance and investigate potential long-term toxic effects of leaving the material in the body, though preliminary studies show the gel to be benign. In related research, PNNL is collaborating with the Medical University of South Carolina to test a biodegradable version of the polymer gel to support repair of articular cartilage - the durable type of cartilage that provides cushion between joints.

Contact: Erik Stenehjem (509) 372-4212