Descrizione del progetto
Uso più sicuro ed efficace del monossido di carbonio per il trattamento di numerose patologie
Fino a poco tempo fa il monossido di carbonio (CO) veniva studiato principalmente per i suoi effetti tossici, che impediscono il rilascio di ossigeno ai tessuti. Oggi si sa invece che, a basse concentrazioni, possiede un effetto omeostatico protettivo contro le malattie. Lo sviluppo attivo, attualmente in corso, delle molecole inalabili rilascianti CO (CORM) come terapie si confronta con sfide in termini di specificità tissutale e potenziale tossicità da metalli pesanti. Il progetto ACORN, finanziato dall’UE, le affronterà con metodologie di monitoraggio tramite RM e immaginografia ottica, incapsulamento di CORM all’interno di nanocarrier approvati dalla FDA e coniugazione di molecole peptidiche sulla superficie dei nanocarrier per un rilascio mirato.
Obiettivo
Carbon monoxide (CO) has gathered increasing attention because of its role as a gasotransmitter with therapeutic and cell-protective effects. It is also recognised as a cell-signalling molecule where recent developments in the area of CO-releasing molecules (CORMs) and materials for controlled CO application have shown their importance with respect to delivery of such agents to their respective targets. However, despite their promise, their remains two major bottlenecks that may prevent these compounds from reaching the clinic. Firstly, the precise spatial-temporal CO release of CORMs is not target-specific. The CO molecule is highly diffusive and binds to haemoproteins, which are ubiquitous. Secondly, CORMs are made of metal carbonyl complexes and as organometallic compounds, there is the potential of heavy metal toxicity. Moreover, since CORMs are water-soluble they are distributed throughout the body, which can lead to further increased toxicities against healthy tissues. Our project aims to alleviate some of the problems of CORMs by a) developing a method to monitor CO release by MRI and optical imaging; b) reformulate CORMs by encapsulating inside nanomaterials (specifically the FDA approved PLGA as a nanocarrier) and c) provide targeting of the CORMs to their site of delivery by conjugating peptide targeting moieties to the surface of the PLGA nanoparticle. Through the completion of these activities, I;;, supported by its twinning partners, is in the best position to achieve an improved capability to compete for internationally competitive research funding and to access business stakeholders. By claiming its position in research and innovation networks IMM will effectively contribute to research excellence and value creation in health at European level.
Campo scientifico
Parole chiave
Programma(i)
- H2020-EU.4.b. - Twinning of research institutions Main Programme
Argomento(i)
Invito a presentare proposte
Vedi altri progetti per questo bandoBando secondario
H2020-WIDESPREAD-05-2017-Twinning
Meccanismo di finanziamento
CSA - Coordination and support actionCoordinatore
1649 028 Lisboa
Portogallo