Descrizione del progetto
Minuscoli supereroi colloidali potrebbero avere un potere sovradimensionato per la diagnosi e il trattamento
Le particelle colloidali sono particelle di dimensioni microscopiche o addirittura nanoscopiche le cui superfici possono essere funzionalizzate. Le loro ampie superfici rispetto ai loro piccoli volumi consentono di caricare ciascuna molte molecole per erogare e rilasciare farmaci o legare agenti patogeni e biomarcatori nel sito di destinazione, portando a potenti sistemi diagnostici e terapeutici. Tuttavia, il loro potenziale deve ancora essere sfruttato a causa delle limitazioni tecniche con il controllo dell’attività e del posizionamento dei recettori. SuperCol prevede di osservare più da vicino le superfici colloidali sia visivamente che con la chimica dei recettori. Le osservazioni informeranno i modelli con l’obiettivo della progettazione razionale di particelle super-selettive e reattive che consentano la cattura (di biomarcatori di malattie) o il rilascio (di terapie) su richiesta.
Obiettivo
SuperCol will train a new generation of scientists in modern super-resolution microscopy and particle functionalisation for improved colloidal design and nanoscale interfacial control for particle-based biosensing. Colloidal-particle-based materials have shown unique abilities in (bio)sensing and other applications because of their large surface-to-volume ratio and biochemical functionalisation. However, we have had only limited success in controlling the sensing properties and cannot yet realise the sensitivity, selectivity and kinetic control that is achieved by e.g. cellular sensing networks. In order to realise this we need to initiate a paradigm shift and create surfaces with a quantified and rationally designed number, distribution, and activity of receptors. To achieve this, we need to understand the structure-function relation between the loading patterns and the sensing characteristics. At this moment, we do not know: (1) how to accurately visualise individual receptors on colloidal surfaces, (2) how to influence the number, distribution and activity of receptors and (3) how this surface organisation translates to highly desired functionalities such as responsiveness and super-selectivity. Super-resolution imaging, advanced particle surface chemistry and advanced modelling will allow to bridge these gaps. However, the field lacks the human capital that can oversee and bridge these disciplines to advance these approaches and effectively (a) control, (b) visualise and quantify, and (c) rationally design surface-functionality to advance particle-based biomedical applications. SuperCol will train the next generation of researchers to overcome this barrier, and will develop e.g. super-selective biosensors for dengue and cholera, and responsive particles that allow biomolecules to be captured (e.g. inflammation markers) and released (e.g. doxorubicin) on demand.
Campo scientifico
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensorsbiosensors
- engineering and technologyenvironmental biotechnologybiosensing
- natural sciencesbiological sciencesbiochemistrybiomolecules
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsmicroscopysuper resolution microscopy
Parole chiave
Programma(i)
Argomento(i)
Meccanismo di finanziamento
MSCA-ITN - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Networks (ITN)Coordinatore
5612 AE Eindhoven
Paesi Bassi