Overview
Research in the Giorgio laboratory is motivated by the quantitative understanding of complex living systems at increasingly refined spatial and temporal scales. The primary focus of this activity has been in addressing critical problems in understanding and treating cancer. Our laboratory applies novel engineering and science approaches to the study of metastases, recurrence and immunity. We have developed a number of new nanoscale materials with biosensing surfaces, including ‘smart’ micelles that deliver functional siRNA to macrophages or use switchable surface charge for tissue localization, retention and controlled release of siRNA. The objective has been to harness the enormous power of cancer immunomodulation, avoiding the systemic responses that otherwise limit such approaches. These immunomodulatory nanomaterials have been designed for local or systemic administration and have demonstrated effectiveness in vivo. Overall, our laboratory combines cancer biology and immunology expertise with quantitative engineering approaches for the design, development and assessment of novel biomaterials for use in living systems.
Awards
-Chair, BMES Public Relations Committee (three-year term), 2016
-Member, BMES Board of Directors (three-year term), 2015
-AIMBE Board of Directors, 2014
-Chair, AIMBE Academic Council, 2014
-Chair, Council of Biomedical Engineering Department Chairs, 2012
-Fellow, Biomedical Engineering Society, 2011
-Chair, ASGCT Chemical Gene and Cell Therapy Committee, 2009
-Fellow, American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE), 2007
-Professional Engineer, registration number 021993, State of Tennessee, 1990
-Sigma Xi, 1990
-Engineer-in-Training, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, 1982
-Tau Beta Pi, 1982
Selected Publications
A guide to single-cell RNA sequencing analysis using web-based tools for non-bioinformatician. Yarlagadda S, Giorgio TD, FEBS Journal, 291, 2545-2561, (2024) View Abstract
Biocompatibility of antifogging SiO-doped Diamond-Like carbon laparoscope coatings. Leonard RL, Bull AB, Xue F, Haycook CP, Gray SK, Bond CW, Bond PE, McDearman JC, Woods DP, Mayfield J, Brown LR, Giorgio TD, Johnson JA, Applied Surface Science, 634, , (2023) View Abstract
Inertial-based Fluidic Platform for Rapid Isolation of Blood-borne Pathogens. Batcho EC, Miller S, Cover TL, McClain MS, Marasco C, Bell CS Giorgio TD, Military Medicine, 186, 129-136, (2021) View Abstract
Kupffer cell release of platelet activating factor drives dose limiting toxicities of nucleic acid nanocarriers. Jackson MA, Patel SS, Yu F, Cottam MA, Glass EB, Hoogenboezem EN, Fletcher RB, Dollinger BR, Patil P, Liu DD, Kelly IB, Bedingfield SK, King AR, Miles RE, Hasty AM, Giorgio TD, Duvall CL, Biomaterials, 268, , (2021) View Abstract
Optimization of electron beam-deposited silver nanoparticles on zinc oxide for maximally surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy. Cook AL, Haycook CP, Locke AK, Mu RR, Giorgio TD, Nanoscale Advances, 3, 407-417, (2021) View Abstract
Education
Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, Rice University, 1986B.S., Chemical Engineering, Lehigh University, 1982