Dr. Justin Hanes

Biography

Justin Hanes is the Lewis J. Ort Professor of Ophthalmology at the Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute with secondary appointments in biomedical engineering, chemical and biomolecular engineering, and environmental health sciences. He is a leader in research at the interface of nanotechnology and medicine, currently directing the Center for Nanomedicine. Dr. Hanes is internationally recognized for his work in designing and synthesizing new biodegradable plastics to create nanoscopic, drug, and gene-filled particles capable of targeted delivery to specific sites in the body. His laboratory has recently made significant advancements in developing methods that enable drug and gene-loaded particles to efficiently penetrate mucus barriers, facilitating the delivery of effective therapies for eye diseases. The Center for Nanomedicine has pioneered high-resolution particle tracking techniques that provide vital insights into the barriers faced by nanoscopic drug and gene carrier particles. His research interests include characterizing the barrier properties of the mucus layer coating the eyes, designing novel nanomedicines to bypass this mucus barrier, and producing safe, synthetic nanoparticles for the effective delivery of therapeutic genes to various cell types within the eye. Dr. Hanes's collaborations extend across the Wilmer Eye Institute and other institutions to further these goals.

Research Interests

Experience