Objective There is an urgent need for new vaccines, but avoiding side effects is crucial for patient compliance. To address this, new generation vaccines with safe, but weakly immunogenic antigens are formulated with carriers and adjuvants to induce the desired immunological response. Inorganic nanoparticles (NP) have shown potential as carriers while immune stimulators of microbial origin are proven to ensure long lasting immune response. Their successful integration into nanovaccines requires thorough analysis of the inorganic/organic interface. Solution state NMR spectroscopy has recently been established as a potent characterisation tool towards this end. My objective is twofold: I intend to elaborate new vaccine-carrier nanosystems and to develop NMR spectroscopic surface characterization methods for their analysis that may be generalized for application to other NPs.I will use my expertise in preparative colloid chemistry to tailor series of new ZrO2- and hydroxyapatite-based NPs of varied size. For their characterisation I will be trained to carry out solution NMR measurements from the toolbox developed by the Host. The outcome will be invaluable for guiding the surface modification of these NPs to obtain vaccine carriers. The project also aims at the further development of NMR methodology. The potential of solid state NMR measurements in this respect will be explored as a secondment. Another secondment is devoted to the early study of in vitro stability, fate and toxicity of the new carriers.The planned research will train me in a cutting-edge analysis technique, and by that means provide me more independence in my work. Furthermore, it will establish an interdisciplinary cooperation between Partner Institutes. The results and the planned outreach activities are also expected to have a positive impact on EU: these new characterization tools would be useful for food, cosmetic and nanomedicine industries and may contribute to improved customer and patient safety. Fields of science medical and health sciencesmedical biotechnologynanomedicinemedical and health sciencesbasic medicinepharmacology and pharmacypharmaceutical drugsvaccinesmedical and health sciencesclinical medicineoncologyengineering and technologynanotechnologynano-materialsmedical and health sciencesbasic medicineimmunologyimmunotherapy Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Topic(s) MSCA-IF-2015-EF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF-EF) Call for proposal H2020-MSCA-IF-2015 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF Coordinator UNIVERSITEIT GENT Net EU contribution € 172 800,00 Address Sint pietersnieuwstraat 25 9000 Gent Belgium See on map Region Vlaams Gewest Prov. Oost-Vlaanderen Arr. Gent Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00
