Objective Nanomedicines are defined as specifically engineered, nanosized drugs and drug delivery systems that are comprised of multiple components. For example, polymer-drug conjugates and drug-protein conjugates are emerging as promising approaches to treating a number of diseases, including cancer. The payloads of these nanomedicines differ widely. However, when targeting cancer, there is a universal requirement to reach the tumour microenvironment and often to deliver the payload to a specific intracellular compartment in order to yield the desired therapeutic effect. The goal of this proposal is to develop two complementary approaches that showcase the manufacturing of functionalised biopolymer-based nanoparticles and their subsequent biological evaluation in relation to cellular and subcellular trafficking in the tumour microenvironment. To achieve this goal, I propose two main aims. Aim 1 is to generate drug-loaded silk nanoparticles that can be readily functionlised to target specific cells and cellular compartments. I hypothesise that by using functionalised silk nanoparticles, it will be possible to target and deliver a therapeutic payload to cancer cells, which will lead to improved clinical outcomes in vivo. Aim 2 is to establish a repertoire of subcellular fractionation techniques in order to quantitatively describe the intracellular fate of nanomedicines in vitro and in vivo. I hypothesise that in particular, subcellular fractionation methods will allow a better understating of the fate of nanoparticles in tumour cells and their subsequent intracellular trafficking. Taken together, these studies will demonstrate an integrated approach to the development of next-generation nanomedicines. This proposal provides the drug delivery field with a novel nanoparticle system and a unique toolbox for the cellular tracing of nanomedicines for the wider scientific community. Fields of science medical and health sciencesmedical biotechnologynanomedicinemedical and health sciencesclinical medicineoncologyengineering and technologynanotechnologynano-materials Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2012-CIG - Marie-Curie Action: "Career Integration Grants" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2012-CIG See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-CIG - Support for training and career development of researcher (CIG) Coordinator UNIVERSITY OF STRATHCLYDE EU contribution € 100 000,00 Address Richmond Street 16 G1 1XQ Glasgow United Kingdom See on map Region Scotland West Central Scotland Glasgow City Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Martin Gregory (Mr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data
