Lucila Garcia-Contreras, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Pharmaceutical Sciences
Phone (405) 271-6593 x47205
Fax (405) 271-7505
Office CPB 321
Summary
The research goal of my laboratory is “Targeted Drug Delivery” and involves the rational design of dosage forms and their in vitro evaluation, which are used to design in vivo studies. In turn, the information obtained in in vitro and in vivo studies is used to understand the underlying reasons of the performance of the dosage form with the objective of improving its formulation design to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.
A recent project that illustrates this process is the formulation of a novel molecule with anticancer and antimicrobial activity for pulmonary delivery as nanocrystals or microparticles. In vitro evaluation included size analysis using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and laser diffraction; stability, using (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). We determined the aerosol performance of these formulations using commercial dry powder inhalers and performed pharmacokinetic studies to determine the disposition of the drug after pulmonary administration to mice. Lastly, in collaboration with Dr. Jie Wu from the OUHSC Department of Pathology, we assessed the efficacy of the nanocrystals in a transgenic mouse model of adenocarcinoma.
My laboratory also designs dosage forms for oral, vaginal and transdermal administration following same procedure. A second line of investigation of my laboratory is the development of needle-less vaccines to provide mucosal and systemic immunization. We are interested in elucidating the role of cell mediated immune (CMI) response and humoral immunity to the overall protection provided by the vaccine. Examples of vaccines studied in my laboratory include vaccines against tuberculosis, West Nile Virus, Diphtheria and Shigellosis.
Publications & Presentations
- 16. Bourlon M, Garcia-Contreras L. Identifying Synergistic Drug Interactions with OHet72: A Promising New Tuberculosis Treatment. Graduate Research Education and Technology (GREAT) symposium. 2023
17. Beathard A, Garcia-Contreras L. Optimization of Aerosol Administration of OHet72 Nanosuspensions for Tuberculosis Treatment. Graduate Research Education and Technology (GREAT) symposium. 2023
18. Wang L, Quine S, Lee M, Yang W, Frickenstein A N, Sheth V M, Bourlon M D, Garcia-Contreras L, Zhao Y D, Wilhelm S. Analysis of in vivo Nanoparticle Delivery. End2Cancer conference. 2022
19. Bourlon M D, Garcia-Contreras L. Influence of Gender on the Disposition of OHet72 after Pulmonary Administration. Davis Healthcare International Publishing, LCC. . 2022
20. Bourlon M D, Garcia-Contreras L. Gender Influences the Disposition of OHet72 after Pulmonary Administration. 9th Annual OCRID Research Retreat. 2022
Grants
- 16. Stable Needleless Vaccine against Shigella spp. NIH. Start Date: 2014. End Date: 2017.
17. Development of SHetA2 vaginal suppositories for treatment of cervical dysplasia. Misc Non-Federal. Start Date: 2015. End Date: 2015.
18. Inhaled SHetA2 (NSC 721689) dry powder aerosols as novel treatment for tuberculosis. Non-federal. Start Date: 2014. End Date: 2015.
19. Development of SHetA2 vaginal suppositories for treatment of cervical dysplasia. Misc Non-Federal. Start Date: 2015. End Date: 2015.
20. Inhaled Caprazamycin for Tuberculosis Therapy . NIH. Start Date: 2011. End Date: 2015.
Awards and Honors
- 6. National Autonomous University of Mexico. Gabino Barreda Medal-UNAM. Date: 1991.
Education
- 1. Degree: Post doctoral education. the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Date: 2001.
2. Degree: Ph D. The University of Georgia. Date: 1999.
3. Degree: MS. The University of Georgia. Date: 1995.
4. Degree: Chemist Pharmacist Biologist. National Autonomous University of Mexico. Date: 1991.
Administrative Assignments
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