Stanley L. Hem, Ph.D. Professor of Physical Pharmacy Phone: (765) 494-1451 Fax: (765) 494-6545 E-mail: shem@purdue.edu Full directory listing

Specialization: Using adjuvants to optimize the performance of vaccines

Education

Research: Using adjuvants to optimize the performance of vaccines

Aluminum-Containing Vaccine Adjuvants

Our research is focused on the following areas:

1. Precipitation of aluminum-containing adjuvants by a constant pH method.
2. Characterization of the properties of aluminum-containing adjuvants including surface charge.
3. Mechanisms of adsorption/desorption of antigens (proteins) by aluminum-containing adjuvants.
4. Formulation of vaccines containing aluminum hydroxide or aluminum phosphate adjuvant.
5. In-vivo disposition of aluminum-containing adjuvants.
6. Adsorption and inactivation of endotoxin by aluminum-containing adjuvants.
7. Mechanism by which aluminum-containing adjuvants potentiate the immune response to antigens.

Drug Delivery by Intravenous Lipid Emulsions

We are studying formulation approaches to reduce the rate of coalescence of the o/w emulsion during autoclaving and during aging. We are also studying the effect of surface charge of the droplet on the distribution and chemical stability of drugs administered in lipid emulsions. We are using the p-hydroxybenzoic acid esters as model drugs.

Structure and Properties of Aluminum Compounds Used in Pharmacy

We have studied antacids, antiperspirants, lake dyes and vaccine adjuvants. We have recently begun to use accelerator mass spectrometry with 26Al to determine the absorption and elimination of aluminum-containing compounds. We have completed a study of aluminum-containing adjuvants (see publications) and are completing a study of antiperspirants (aluminum chlorohydrate).

Representative Publications

J. V. Rinella, Jr., R. F. Workman, M. A. Hermodson, J. L. White and S. L. Hem, "Elutability of Proteins from Aluminum-Containing Vaccine Adjuvants by Treatment with Surfactants," J. Colloid Interface Sci., 197, 48-56 (1998).

R. E. Flarend, S. L. Hem, J. L. White, D. Elmore, M. A. Suckow, A. C. Rudy and E. A. Dandashli, "In-vivo Absorption of Aluminium-Containing Adjuvants Using 26Al," Vaccine, 15, 1314-1318 (1997).

K. E. Hancock, G. E. Peck, D. L. Perry, J. L. White and S. L. Hem, "The Effect of Humidity on the Physical and Chemical Stability of Spray Dried Aluminum Hydroxycarbonate," J. Colloid Interface Sci., 183, 431-440 (1996).

Curriculum Vitae

Click here for a full CV for Stanley L. Hem. (an Adobe Acrobat file)