The research in the Mackiewicz group is at the chemistry-biology interface bridging several fields of chemistry with chemical engineering. Our research revolves around 1) designing nanoscale materials using green synthetic approaches, 2) studying nanoparticle-biological interactions and nanotoxicology, 3) developing diagnostic assays and imaging agents to monitor disease states and therapeutic response, and 4) systems for targeted drug delivery. Our long-term goal is to advance our bench side chemistry into translational applications in cancer, Alzheimer's disease, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. At the same time, we are also studying the nanotoxicological effects of the new materials developed and their nanoparticle-biological interactions (NBI's) to advance their designs and overcome translational barriers that limit their use in vivo.