text:
New Polymeric Material
Developed at UC San Diego Has Potential
for Use in Non-Invasive Surgical Procedures
Previously inaccessible target sites may be reached for diagnosis and treatment using this material
Debra Kain
Adah Almutairi, PhD
Scientists at the University of California, San Diego have developed what they believe to be the first polymeric material that is sensitive to biologically benign levels of near infrared (NRI) irradiation, enabling the material to disassemble in a highly controlled fashion. The study represents a significant milestone in the area of light-sensitive material for non-invasive medical and biological applications. Their work is published on line this week in the journal Macromolecules.
"To the best of our knowledge, this is the only polymeric material specifically designed to break down in to small fragments in response to very low levels of NIR irradiation," said Adah Almutairi, PhD, assistant professor at the UCSD Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and director of the Laboratory of Bioresponsive Materials at UC San Diego. "The material was also shown to be well-tolerated in cells before and after irradiation. We think there is great potential for use in human patients, allowing previously inaccessible targets sites to be reached for both treatment and diagnosis."
The properties of so-called "smart" polymeric materials – either synthetic or natural – respond readily to small changes in their environment. They are, therefore, the focus of widespread research to develop tools for such uses as tissue engineering, implants, wound-healing, drug delivery and biosensors.
NIR light can penetrate up to 10 cm into tissue with less damage, absorption and scattering than visible light, and can be remotely applied with high spatial and temporal precision. Most other light-degradable materials that have been developed to date can be difficult to clear from the body, and only a handful of organic materials respond to high-power NIR light. Until now, none were able to respond to low-level, thus safer, NIR light – which causes less photodamage to tissue and cells.
The UC San Diego researchers stated that further studies are warranted to improve the sensitivity of these smart polymeric materials to NIR, and they are currently pursuing several synthetic and engineering strategies to improve design of such biomaterials.
Additional researchers include Nadezda Fomina, Cathryn L. McFearin, Marleen Sermsakdi, and José M. Morachis, Skaggs School of Pharmacy, Department of NanoEngineering at the Jacobs School of Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering and Biomedical Sciences Programs, UC San Diego.
Funding was provided by an NIH Directors New Innovator Award and King Abdul Aziz City of Science and Technology support.
Media Contact: Debra Kain, 619-543-6163, or ddkain@ucsd.edu


Donna Rich, founder of RichGirl's Boutique (left) with daughter Alex Rich (right).
RichGirl's Boutique created by Donna Rich in 2016 began as a new venture to leave her corporate accounting gig after twenty years. At the time of the start-up, daughter Alex Rich was a senior in college helping with the Pearland boutique as time allowed. This year, Alex is spearheading the launch of their second store in the Houston Heights with everything she's learned from the Pearland original.
The Pearland boutique at 1807 Broadway Street is a labor of love for the mother and daughter duo. Visitors will find a curated collection of brands the Rich girls have cultivated over the years from working closely with their clients.
The store offers everything from accessories including DIFF eyewear, clothing by newer brands like Fletch plus shoes by designers Steve Madden and Naughty Monkey. The Nikko Blue jewelry line along with fashionable repurposed Louis Vuitton accessories are just a few of the things visitors will find at the 1,016-square-foot Pearland location.
"We are always trying to make every woman feel beautiful when they leave our store. The most rewarding part of this job is helping to style women and give them confidence. We put the therapy in retail therapy," says Alex.
The duo has amassed a loyal customer following with a rewards program and feel confident about expanding to the Houston Heights. With an anticipated Spring 2019 opening date, the second store will be located at 1051 Heights Boulevard.
The new location will offer the modern, chic and trendy look found in Pearland along with new, higher-end brands. The second store opening was part of Alex's 5-year goal to open in the Heights. "I'm hoping we'll be able to open on April 2nd like we did for our Pearland location, but we'll see," says Alex.
Saturday10 a.m. to 4 p.m.