Researchers in the Bio- and Nano-Technology Center (BNTC) are involved in a number of cutting-edge studies aimed at developing enabling technologies to support the translation of basic science findings into medicines for patients.

Flow-NMR Spectrometer for Continuous BiomanufacturingFlow Water Proton NMR as Contact Free Real-Time In-Line PAT for Continuous Biomanufacturing
Funding Source: National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL)

This project aims to develop a contact-free in-line process analytical technology for continuous biomanufacturing. A prototype of the device is pictured to the right, including the magnet and flow system, spectrometer control console, and data processing PC.

Learn more about Flow Water Proton NMR project.


Vaccine being injected into arm.Immunomodulatory Biomaterials

This project aims to apply engineering principles to program the immune system. Researchers in the Pearson Lab develop novel immunomodulatory polymers to modulate immune responses with the goal to create anti-inflammatory materials and polymer-based vaccines.

Learn more about the Immunomodulatory Biomaterials project.


Blue DNA helices against a black background.Nondestructive Analytics for Vaccines and Complex Drugs
Funding Source: FDA



Virus as seen under an electron microscope against a green background.Targeted Drug Delivery

This project aims to develop novel nanomedicines to provide precise delivery of therapeutic payloads (i.e., small molecules, peptides, proteins, and others) to target cell populations to increase therapeutic efficacy while minimizing off-target effects.

Learn more about the Targeted Drug Delivery project.


Nanoparticles with very dense PEG coatings (green) are shown penetrating within brain tissue in vivo.Translational Therapeutics Research Group (TTRG) at the University of Maryland School of Medicine

The TTRG is a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, engineers, and cancer biologists actively working together to solve life-limiting treatment challenges in the neuroscience and cancer fields.

Learn more about the TTRG project.