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
Biocompatibility of Al2O3-Doped Diamond-Like Carbon Laparoscope Coatings. Leonard RL, Bull AB, Xue F, Haycook CP, Gray S, Bond C, Bond P, Brown L, Giorgio TD, Johnson JA, Coatings, 15, 437-456, (2025) View Abstract
Growth of Iron Nanoparticles for Magnetic Particle Imaging. Williams AG, Graham W, Henriques SR, Giorgio TD, Johnson CE and Johnson JA, Academia Materials Science, 2, 1-13, (2025) View Abstract
Investigation of Varying Alkyl-Chain Length Surfactants on Iron Nanoparticle Sizes for Magnetic Particle Imaging Applications. Williams A, Graham W, Henriques SR, Giorgio TD, Johnson C, Johnson JA, Journal of Nanoparticle Research, 27, 54, (2025) View Abstract
Locally Reprogramming Tumor-Associated Macrophages with Cytokine-loaded Injectable Cryogels for Breast Cancer. Henriques SR, Glass EB, Hoek KL, Chalom OZ, Manning AE, Roy S, Graves DK, Goldstein SM, Hacker BC, Jin R, Rafat M, Hurley PJ, Kim YJ, Wilson AJ, Yull FE and Giorgio TD, Annals of Biomedical Engineering, 53, 3081-3095, (2025) View Abstract
Advances in Electrospun Poly(e-caprolactone)-based Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering. Robles KN, Zahara F, Mu R, Giorgio TD, Polymers, 16, 2853, (2024) View Abstract
Education
Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, Rice University, 1986B.S., Chemical Engineering, Lehigh University, 1982
