Objective
Neurodegeneration (ND) is a pathological process characterized by a progressive loss of structure and activity in neurons of specific brain areas, causing cognitive, sensory, and motor impairment until compromising even basic actions such as breathing and heart functioning. The condition affects over 100 million people globally, and it is estimated that ND incidence will constantly increase in the next decades, because of the increasing ageing of the European population and environmental factors. Nevertheless, the current treatments are not satisfactory, either because they become ineffective over time, e.g. pharmacological treatment, or because they are highly invasive, i.e. for deep brain stimulation or optogenetic approaches. In this landscape, nanotechnology is emerging as an innovative alternative for treating ND. Nanomaterials offer unique features that confer them the chance to activate degenerated neurons, therefore rescuing the network activity lost in ND. Here, we propose the preparation of a wireless, non-invasive, deep tissue penetrating nanotechnological platform for neuronal rescue upon ultrasound stimulation. We aim to develop a hybrid nanotool based on visible light-sensitive photovoltaic polymeric nanoparticles (that proved successful in rescuing several degenerated retina models in vivo) that will be conjugated to an ultrasound sensitizer, consisting of sonoluminescent molecules capable of transducing an ultrasound signal into a fluorescent emission that can excite the polymeric nanoparticles, ultimately eliciting a neuronal response. The construct will then be directed towards a specific neural population through a targeting moiety, consisting of an M13 bacteriophage nanoscaffold naturally possessing high targeting efficiency. The final nanotool will be tested in different 2D and 3D in vitro models to assess its biocompatibility, brain blood barrier permeability and neural rescuing efficiency.
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 biological sciences neurobiology
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine ophthalmology
- engineering and technology nanotechnology nano-materials
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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)
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.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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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.
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.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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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.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2022-PF-01
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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.
16163 Genova
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.