Prof. Marcelle Machluf, Dean of the Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Engineering at Technion, is a world-renowned researcher in the fields of drug delivery, gene therapy, cellular therapy, and tissue engineering.
The Lab for Cancer Drug Delivery and Cell-Based Technologies
In her laboratory at Technion – The Lab for Cancer Drug Delivery and Cell-Based Technologies – she develops and engineers nano- and micro-systems for delivering drugs and genes; systems for the encapsulation (packaging) of cells for treating cancer and diabetes; and scaffolds for engineering heart tissue, blood vessels, and the pancreas. Prof. Machluf develops these tools for clinical applications, using advanced engineering and scientific methods. In the course of her innovative research, she has achieved many breakthroughs that enable more accurate and focused cancer treatment while minimizing effects on healthy cells, using innovative biological technologies.
One such technology, which is currently in negotiations for commercialization, is the Nano-Ghosts drug and gene delivery technology for the treatment of cancer and other diseases, which was selected by the Israel Ministry of Science and Technology as one of the sixty most promising technologies ever developed in the state of Israel. This technology is based on the natural ability of stem cells to target different pathologies, which ability is harnessed by emptying these cells from their content, downsizing them into nanometric scale Nano-Ghosts, and loading them with drugs or genes that can be delivered, this way, specifically to their targets inside the patient body. The capabilities of this system have been demonstrated, so far, in multiple animal experiments with different cancers and other diseases. Currently, Prof. Machluf is in the process of commercializing this technology towards first-in-human clinical trials in 2-3 years.
YouTube link (English): Nano Ghosts to fight cancer Technion research breakthrough
Prof. Machluf completed her post-doctoral studies at the Harvard Medical School, and since 2001, she has been a faculty member at Technion. She has published over sixty articles and book chapters, and her seven patents are in the process of being registered.
“I thank the State of Israel for this honor,” said Prof. Marcelle Machluf, upon being chosen to light the Torch. “Every year I am looking forward the torch-lighting ceremony, which represents this country and its successes. Therefore, there is no greater honor than to be worthy of lighting a torch for the Glory of the State of Israel.”
Technion President Prof. Peretz Lavie congratulated Prof. Machluf, “We are proud of Prof. Machluf, Dean of the Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, who is a senior researcher at Technion. In her achievements, Marcelle is a role model for many generations of students.”
