About

Thinh T. Doan joined the University of Texas at Austin as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics in August 2024. His research interests encompass real-time decision making for autonomy, control theory, optimization, applied probability theory, reinforcement learning, generative AI, and distributed learning. His group focuses on advancing control and learning algorithms that enable teams of robots, such as UAVs or ground vehicles, to assist humans in performing complex tasks. Prior to his current position, Dr. Doan was an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Virginia Tech and a TRIAD postdoctoral fellow at the Georgia Institute of Technology. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Hanoi University of Science and Technology in Vietnam in 2008, followed by a master’s degree from the University of Oklahoma in 2013, and a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2018. During his doctoral studies, he received the Harriett and Robert Perry Fellowship Award in 2016 and 2017. His research has been supported by the NSF through the CAREER award and CIF program, as well as the AFOSR through the Young Investigator Program award.

Research topics

• Biology
• Biochemistry
• Chemistry
• Composite material
• Endocrinology
• Medicine
• Internal medicine
• Pharmacology
• Biotechnology
• Materials science

Selected publications

• Identification of film-based formulations that move mRNA lipid nanoparticles out of the freezer

  Molecular Therapy — Nucleic Acids · 2024-03-26 · 12 citations

  articleOpen access1st authorCorresponding

  COVID-19 vaccines consisting of mRNA lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) encoding the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein antigen protected millions of people from severe disease; however, they must be stored frozen prior to use. The objective of this study was to evaluate the compatibility and stability of mRNA LNPs within a polymer-based film matrix. An optimized formulation of polymer base, glycerol, surfactants, and PEGylated lipid that prevents damage to the LNP due to physical changes during the film-forming process (osmotic stress, surface tension, spatial stress, and water loss) was identified. Surfactants added to LNP stock prior to mixing with other film components contributed to this effect. Formulations prepared at pH ≥ 8.5 extended transfection efficiency beyond 4 weeks at 4°C when combined with known nucleic acid stabilizers. mRNA LNPs were most stable in films when manufactured in an environment of ∼50% relative humidity. The optimized formulation offers 16-week stability at 4°C.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Physical characteristics and stability profile of recombinant plasmid DNA within a film matrix

  European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics · 2023-08-09 · 5 citations

  article1st author
  PublisherDOI

• Thermostability and in vivo performance of AAV9 in a film matrix

  Communications Medicine · 2022 · 14 citations

  1st authorCorresponding
  • Materials science
  • Chemistry
  • Biology

  BACKGROUND: Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors are stored and shipped frozen which poses logistic and economic barriers for global access to these therapeutics. To address this issue, we developed a method to stabilize AAV serotype 9 (AAV9) in a film matrix that can be stored at ambient temperature and administered by systemic injection. METHODS: AAV9 expressing the luciferase transgene was mixed with formulations, poured into molds and films dried under aseptic conditions. Films were packaged in individual particle-free bags with foil overlays and stored at various temperatures under controlled humidity. Recovery of AAV9 from films was determined by serial dilution of rehydrated film in media and infection of HeLa RC32 cells. Luciferase expression was compared to that of films rehydrated immediately after drying. Biodistribution of vector was determined by in vivo imaging and quantitative real-time PCR. Residual moisture in films was determined by Karl Fischer titration. RESULTS: AAV9 embedded within a film matrix and stored at 4 °C for 5 months retained 100% of initial titer. High and low viscosity formulations maintained 90 and 85% of initial titer after 6 months at 25 °C respectively. AAV was not detected after 4 months in a Standard Control Formulation under the same conditions. Biodistribution and transgene expression of AAV stored in film at 25 or 4 °C were as robust as vector stored at -80 °C in a Standard Control Formulation. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that storage of AAV in a film matrix facilitates easy transport of vector to remote sites without compromising in vivo performance.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Differential Effects of 1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 on the Expressions and Functions of Hepatic CYP and UGT Enzymes and Its Pharmacokinetic Consequences In Vivo

  Pharmaceutics · 2020 · 17 citations

  1st authorCorresponding
  • Chemistry
  • Pharmacology
  • Internal medicine

  .

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Differential regulation of intestinal and hepatic CYP3A by 1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D₃: Effects on in vivo oral absorption and disposition of buspirone in rats

  Drug Development Research · 2018-12-10 · 15 citations

  article

  Abstract 1α,25‐Dihydroxyvitamin D 3 (also called 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 or calcitriol) is the biologically active form of vitamin D, which functions as a ligand to the vitamin D receptor (VDR). It was previously reported that intestinal cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) expression was altered by 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 ‐mediated VDR activation. However, to clarify whether the change in CYP3A subfamily expression by VDR activation can affect metabolic function, further evidence is needed to prove the effect of 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 treatment on CYP3A‐mediated drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics. Here, we report the effects of 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 on CYP3A activity and in vivo pharmacokinetics of buspirone in Sprague–Dawley rats. CYP3A mRNA expression and CYP3A‐mediated testosterone metabolism were enhanced in the intestine but were unaffected in the livers of rats treated with 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 . Notably, the oral pharmacokinetic profile of buspirone (CYP3A substrate drug) and 6′‐hydroxybuspirone (major active metabolite of buspirone formed via CYP3A‐mediated metabolism) was significantly altered, while its intravenous pharmacokinetic profile was not affected by 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the first reported data regarding the effects of 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 treatment on the in vivo pharmacokinetics of intravenous and oral buspirone in rats, by the differential modulation of hepatic and intestinal CYP3A activity. Our present results could lead to further studies in clinically significant CYP3A‐mediated drug–nutrient interactions with 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 , including 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 –buspirone interaction. Preclinical Research & Development

  PublisherDOI

Frequent coauthors

• Maria A. Croyle

  The University of Texas at Austin

  12 shared

• Irnela Bajrovic

  Austin College

  4 shared

• Matthew D. Le

  The University of Texas at Austin

  4 shared

• Abbie Svancarek

  AskBio (United States)

  2 shared

• Angela Mote

  AskBio (United States)

  2 shared

• Haley Grooms Balyan

  AskBio (United States)

  2 shared

• Lorne Celentano

  AskBio (United States)

  2 shared

• In‐Soo Yoon

  Pusan National University

  2 shared

Labs

• Control, Optimization, and Online Learning for Autonomy LabPI

  Not provided

Education

• Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy

  The University of Texas at Austin

  2023

• Master of Science, College of Pharmacy

  Gachon University

  2018

• Bachelor of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy

  Ho Chi Minh City Medicine and Pharmacy University

  2014

Awards & honors

• Harriett and Robert Perry Fellowship Award (2016)
• Harriett and Robert Perry Fellowship Award (2017)