Shivalika Sharma
Education: M.Sc Chemistry, University of Jammu, Jammu, 2019
Email-id: 204033027@iitb.ac.in
Research Interest: Polyethylenimine A non-viral gene transfection vector has been known to possess safety advantages over viral vectors due to its reduced pathogenicity, ease of production, and low cost. However, it cannot be exploited to its maximum potential because of lack of understanding about the mechanism of its self-assembly in different kinds of physiological environments present inside the cell . Also, its high charge density due to the presence of a high ratio of primary amines results in non-specific interactions with blood components that can cause cytotoxicity.
       To address these concerns, I am currently aiming towards developing an understanding of the chemistry of self-assembly of PEI in various environments and incorporation of various hydrophobic and amine group modifications in it, which will lead to improved payload release and cell viability. I use techniques like Small Angle X-Ray Scattering, Multiple Angle Light Scattering, Rheology, various spectroscopy techniques etc. for understanding the self-assembly behaviour of this novel polyelectrolyte.