Objective The proposed research will explore new strategies in nanomedicine and develop novel materials for drug delivery, molecular imaging, proteomics and metabolomics. The four main objectives can be summarized as nanoparticle assembly, application of nanoparticles to molecular imaging, novel ligand design for drug delivery and viral detection and inhibition. Assembly of nanoparticles into unique signalling platforms will be achieved via novel ligand design for gold and silver nanoparticles and will enhance the utility of such particles towards molecular imaging. Success will make vibrational microscopy using functionalized nanoparticles a viable alternative to fluorescent probes for medical imaging.Applications in molecular imaging will focus on visualizing proteins at the surface of neurons with glycosylated nanoparticles to understand how these signalling proteins change in number and localization in response to stimuli and how these protein traits vary between healthy and diseased neurons. These data are critical in understanding the causes and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. This research will result in novel opportunities for therapeutic intervention, which itself may be possible using the functionalized nanoparticles as drug delivery agents. Glycosylation of the surface of the nanoparticles is critical for improving the bioavailability of nanoparticles for this objective. In the third objective of this project, photo-cleavable groups will be introduced into the nanoparticle ligand framework and used to release drugs at targets upon two-photon excitation of the nanoparticles. Thereby a single photon is emitted that can cleave the photo-labile group binding the drug to the particle.Finally, glycosylated nanoparticles will be used to image hepatitis C viral particles in vivo and to inhibit their entry into liver cells. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomoleculesproteinsproteomicsnatural scienceschemical sciencesinorganic chemistrytransition metalsnatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsmicroscopyengineering and technologynanotechnologynano-materialsnatural sciencesphysical sciencestheoretical physicsparticle physicsphotons 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-2010-IIF - Marie Curie Action: "International Incoming Fellowships" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2010-IIF See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-IIF - International Incoming Fellowships (IIF) Coordinator MAX-PLANCK-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER WISSENSCHAFTEN EV EU contribution € 225 945,00 Address HOFGARTENSTRASSE 8 80539 Munchen Germany See on map Region Bayern Oberbayern München, Kreisfreie Stadt Activity type Research Organisations Administrative Contact Nadine Stolz (Ms.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data