Dr. Or Shemesh

or shemesh
Dr.
Or
Shemesh
School of Pharmacy - Institute for Drug Research

Brief Summary of research: 

Genetically Encoded Nanoparticles 

Specific research topics related to Nanoscience and Nanotechnology:

The multifunctional nature of nanoparticles offers groundbreaking opportunities in healthcare and biological research, spanning applications such as tumor imaging, radiotherapy, hyperthermia, and radiation resistance. However, their potential is impeded within living organisms due to the intricate challenge of precise delivery to target tissues or cells, often leading to off-target effects. Our innovative approach capitalizes on the genetic machinery of cells to engineer genetically-encoded nanoparticles (GENPs). Through the expression of metal-producing genes, we synthesize intracellular metal nanoparticles, including gold and silver, ensuring GENPs exhibit targeting capabilities at the cell and tissue of interest and at the desired time. This technology has the potential to revolutionize biomedical therapy and imaging, offering transformative solutions across diseases like cancer and neurodegeneration. In doing so, we bridge the gap between the promise of nanoparticles and their practical utility in healthcare and biological research.