Our Crowdfunding Groups
THE PROBLEM:
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system is destroyed by the body’s white blood cells, leaving patients vulnerable to other infections such as Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Across the world, HIV affects 38 million people, with 690,000 people dying from AIDS-related illnesses in 2019 alone. Treatment for HIV is regulated using a drug cocktail, in which different medications work to fight different steps of the HIV reproduction pathway. Current methods for delivering drug cocktails are limited by synthesized particle size, architecture, material composition, and lack of controlled drug release.
OUR SOLUTION:
Advancements in additive manufacturing through the use of Direct Laser Writing (DLW) and biodegradable structures have allowed for new methods of drug delivery. Our research will focus on the creation of a multi-drug delivery system via the use of additive manufacturing and photolithography to develop a compartmentalized and biodegradable pill. We will develop a 3D-printable pill on the micro scale (around the size of a human red blood cell) capable of containing multiple drugs used to combat HIV. The pill will be sealed with a biodegradable cap of variable thickness used to control the release rate of the liquid-based HIV drug cocktail in the body (thicker material results in longer degradation time). By doing so, it will ensure that the drug concentration in the human body remains in the therapeutic range.
OUR IMPACT:
Team PILLS aims to address the effects of HIV and the disproportionate impact it has had on historically marginalized people and communities. We must recognize the perspectives of those impacted by HIV so that we can focus on research that most positively affects them. These strategies will enable us to identify those that are affected by HIV, culminating with our research being used to limit the disparities that have become associated with the virus. If successful, these pills will cut down on drug costs, lower the risk of over or under dosage, and improve the efficiency and efficacy of the drugs.
YOUR SUPPORT:
Over the course of our LaunchUMD campaign, we hope to raise $5,000 for our project. The money raised will help purchase materials for the printing of our pill prototype. Your support will also allow us to pay for the printing costs associated with the Nanoscribe device. Any donation made no matter the amount is greatly appreciated and will assist us in achieving our goal. Thank you!
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Team Email: GemstoneTeamPills@gmail.com
Team Instagram: @gems_team_pills
Team Website: https://gemstoneteampills.wixsite.com/pills
Gifts in support of the University of Maryland are accepted and managed by the University of Maryland College Park Foundation, Inc., an affiliated 501(c)(3) organization authorized by the Board of Regents. Contributions to the University of Maryland are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Please see your tax advisor for details.
Your donation will help pay for logistical material for use in the lab such as gloves, notebooks, and much more!
Your donation will help fund the materials used for the microchannels. The microchannels are what allow us to load drug cocktails into the pill!
Your donation will help pay for the specialized lab training fees necessary to use the Nanoscribe system as well as the other various laboratory equipment!
Your donation will help cover almost three hours of printing costs associated with the Nanoscribe device!
Your donation will be of massive help, enabling us to purchase necessary biodegradable polymers and photoresists!