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Soft Biocompatible Polymeric Nanostructures: A Toolbox for Novel Generation of Nano Pharmaceuticals in Ophthalmology

Project description

Development of novel biocompatible and biodegradable nanopharmaceuticals for ophthalmology

Funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the NanoPol project aims to develop a knowledge-based toolbox for the fabrication of biocompatible and biodegradable gel-forming polymers, nanogels and nanoparticles as multifunctional therapeutics for ophthalmological applications. The study of the relation between macromolecule architecture and properties is crucial for the development of functional polymer-based materials for biomedicine. The project plan includes the design, synthesis and characterisation of novel macromolecular architectures and simulations of the materials’ properties, followed by toxicity and experimental testing of the materials, as well as commercialisation studies. The macromolecular complex carriers will be tested for prolonged retention in the eye and controlled ocular drug release under external stimuli.

Objective

We propose a research and innovation project that aims to develop a rational, knowledge-based toolbox for the fabrication of (1) biodegradable and biocompatible associating (gel-forming) polymers, (2) nanogels and (3) nanoparticles tailored as multifunctional therapeutic agents in ophthalmological applications. We seek for novel methods to replace currently used approaches with biocompatible and biodegradable synthetic/natural polymers. Macromolecules of increasingly complex architectures including block, graft and star-like polymers will be explored with respect to their ability to build up transient networks or nanoparticles with well-controlled rheological and structural properties and targeted performance. Profound understanding of the relation between architectural complexity and properties of the macromolecules is crucial for the fabrication of functional polymer-based materials for biomedicine and will greatly enhance the competitiveness of Europe in the field. Such conceptual understanding can only be achieved based on a rational interdisciplinary approach, in which theory and simulations guide experiments. Our work plan includes the design, synthesis and characterization of novel macromolecular architectures dictated by theoretical and simulation outcomes on the properties of the materials, followed by toxicity and in vitro/in vivo testing of the materials/structures and industrial feasibility studies. The macromolecular assemblies will be investigated as complex carriers enabling (1) prolonged retention in the eye and (2) controlled ocular drug release under external stimuli (i.e. temperature, light, pH). The synergy resulting from the cooperation between world-leading in their respective fields academic groups and companies though the effective secondments plan will provide a unique interdisciplinary research and training environment that will allow to address unmet challenges in the area and will ensure European leadership in cutting-edge technologies.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Keywords

Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)

Programme(s)

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.

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.

MSCA-RISE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Research and Innovation Staff Exchange (RISE)

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-RISE-2018

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Coordinator

PANEPISTIMIO KRITIS
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 55 200,00
Address
UNIVERSITY CAMPUS GALLOS
74 100 RETHIMNO
Greece

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Region
Νησιά Αιγαίου Κρήτη Ρέθυμνο
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost

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.

€ 73 600,00

Participants (8)

Partners (4)

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