Objective
Nanotechnology is expected to have a major impact on biomedical research, leading to new types of diagnostic and therapeutic tools. One focus in nanobiotechnology is the development of non-viral vectors for safe and efficient gene delivery. Progress in the Human Genome Project increases the attractiveness of gene therapy as a therapeutic modality for a host of diseases. Today the methodologies for in vivo gene transfection are still in their infancy. The most promising method is based on the use of viral vectors, but its safety is actually under discussion.
This project aims at developing a nonviral vector for gene delivery, able of:
a) gene transfection in vivo and on a large amount of cells,
b) local and non invasive therapy,
c) frequent and easy medication.
This nano-device will be based on a carbon nanotube (CNT). It will be coated with genes to be transferred, and will be functionalised with a ligand, able to bind a receptor expressed by the target cells to be transfected. A solution containing a myriad of vectors will be dispensed locally in the target tissue, e.g. via injection; each of them will localise a target cell and bind it. Two strategies of cell transfection will be investigated: 1) cells up -take the vectors via endocytosis and 2) genes are transferred in the cell membrane via electroporation (i.e. via permeabilization of cell membrane by application of short-duration electric field pulses).
In the second case, current impulses could be generated in CNTs via electromagnetic fields, by exploiting t he properties of CNTs like antennas. In order to prove these paradigms, in vivo validation of the nanotransducer vectors will be performed. A specific neurological disorder will be treated to demonstrate their therapeutic potential. The implementation of t his proposed solution requires a multidisciplinary approach and the integration of expertise in the fields of nanotechnologies, biotechnologies, communication technologies and neuroscience.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences physical sciences electromagnetism and electronics electromagnetism
- medical and health sciences medical biotechnology genetic engineering gene therapy
- medical and health sciences basic medicine pharmacology and pharmacy pharmaceutical drugs
- medical and health sciences basic medicine neurology stroke
- natural sciences chemical sciences electrochemistry bioelectrochemistry electroporation
You need to log in or register to use this function
We are sorry... an unexpected error occurred during execution.
You need to be authenticated. Your session might have expired.
Thank you for your feedback. You will soon receive an email to confirm the submission. If you have selected to be notified about the reporting status, you will also be contacted when the reporting status will change.
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
FP6-2004-NMP-TI-4
See other projects for this call
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
PISA
Italy
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.