Erik M. Shapiro

Erik M. Shapiro

Erik M. Shapiro

Associate Professor; Adjunct Faculty of ChEMS

Biography

The research emphasis of the Molecular and Cellular Imaging Laboratory (MCIL) is generally focused on developing and using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and X-ray computed tomography (CT) for molecular and cellular imaging of biological phenomena, regenerative medicine and early detection of disease. Working at the intersection of chemistry, physics and biology, my laboratory has four main chemical engineering cores. The first is the development of novel clinically viable nanoparticle contrast agents for MRI. The second focus is the development of high relaxivity superparamagnetic nano- and micro-particles whose MRI properties can be made sensitive to various stimuli, gene expression, for example. The third focus revolves around the creation of CT active nanomaterials with the capability to efficiently deliver large payloads of high-z metals such as bismuth, gold or gadolinium in a safe polymer construct. The fourth core is the development of targeted nano-theranostics. The strategy here is to selectively target nanomaterials containing both imaging agents and medicinal components to precise tissues or cells of interest by way of antibody- or receptor-mediated affinity.

Research Area
Awards
NIH Director’s New Innovator Award, 2008
Yale University Medical School Clinical and Translational Science Award, 2007
Kingsley Fellowship in Medical Research, 2006-2008
Young Investigator’s Award Finalist, International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM), 2005
NIH Fellows Award for Research Excellence, 2004
Young Investigator’s Award Winner, Osteoarthritis Research Society International, 2000
Education
Ph.D. Chemistry, 2001 University of Pennsylvania
M.S. Chemistry, 1997 University of Pennsylvania
B.S. Chemistry, 1995 State University of New York at Binghamton
Publications
Granot, D., Nkansah, M.K., Bennewitz, M.F., Tang, K.S., Markakis, E.A., Shapiro, E.M., Clinically viable magnetic poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) particles for MRI-based cell tracking, Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, in press (2013)
Bennewitz, M.F., Lobo, T.L., Nkansah, M.K., Ulas, G., Brudvig, G.W., Shapiro, E.M., Biocompatible and pH-sensitive PLGA encapsulated MnO nanocrystals for molecular and cellular MRI, ACS Nano, 5(5) 3438-3446 (2011)
Nkansah, M.K., Thakral, D., Shapiro, E.M., Magnetic poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) and cellulose particles for MRI-based cell tracking, Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, 65(6) 1776-1785 (2011)
Granot, D., Shapiro, E.M., Release Activation of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (REACTION): A novel environmentally sensitive MRI paradigm, Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, 65(5) 1253-1259 (2011)