Project description
Improving the efficacy of inhalable nanogels for lung cancer treatment
Nanogels are promising drug-carrying systems that can deliver therapeutics to targeted cells in the body. They have recently seen versatile applications in treating disorders and diseases, including cancer. Although pulmonary delivery of therapeutics through inhalable nanogels is deemed advantageous for treating lung cancer, several challenges must be overcome for wider use. The EU-funded PuDeRegels project will seek to advance the efficiency of nanogels so they can accurately and safely deliver anticancer drugs through the respiratory system to the lungs. Combining expertise in polymer science and chemical biology, PuDeRegels aims to resolve challenges regarding encapsulation of the anticancer drug, targeted delivery, drug release, biocompatibility, and evasion of macrophages.
Objective
In this project, I will investigate and develop nanogels incorporated into microgels containing encapsulated anticancer drugs. These nanogels will be delivered via the respiratory system to the lung, selectively swell and deliberate the therapeutic. Importance will be given to targeting moieties, stealth moieties, and biocompatibility. The delivery of drugs for lung cancer is limited but is under investigation and on the rise of inquiry. Some of the challenges this type of technology faces are the efficient encapsulation of the bioactive compound inside a nanocarrier, the targeted delivery, the release of the drug, the biocompatibility with the lung, and the avoidance of the macrophages. New methodologies for better delivery of therapeutics are of great importance at the National and International levels. New materials and technologies are emerging every year. The delivery of therapeutics for lung cancer is based mainly on intravenous therapies. Another way of introducing drugs into the area of importance in the lung could be pulmonary drug delivery as a good alternative. Pulmonary delivery is not a new technology but is strictly limited to specific conditions/illnesses. The research capitalizes on the existing strengths of the experienced researcher (ER) in polymer science and the expertise of the host institute in chemical biology in health, drug research, and biotechnology. It will lead to several publications in high-impact factor journals, transfer of knowledge and expertise that could be capitalized at an industrial level, thus contributing to the research output, distinctness, and economy of Europe. Overall, the fellowship will allow the ER to reintegrate into a long-term academic position after many years of fruitful research career in the academic sector in Spain. After this project, the ER will obtain new knowledge and training that will help him to establish a solid point for a better opportunity both in Academy and in Industry.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-AG-UN - HORIZON Unit GrantCoordinator
11635 Athina
Greece