BOW: Biogenic Organotropic Wetsuits (DSB.AD008.639)
Thematic area
Project area
Tecnologie Applicate alle Scienze Biomediche (DSB.AD008)Structure responsible for the research project
Istituto per la Ricerca e l'Innovazione Biomedica (IRIB)
Other structures collaborating in the research project
- Institute of biophysics (IBF)
- Institute of plant genetics (IBBR)
- Institute of nanostructured materials (ISMN)
Project manager
ANTONELLA BONGIOVANNI
Phone number: 0916809554
Email: antonella.bongiovanni@irib.cnr.it
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are the universal shuttles of intercellular communication, transferring lipids, proteins and nucleic acids, mediating physiological processes and spreading various diseases, including cancer and infections. The main goal of the EU-funded BOW project is to explore and develop the technology capable of lending the biological surface precision, circulation and targeting abilities of EVs to superparamagnetic nanodevices by coating them with a single- or multi-layer EV membrane. This technology aims to advance implantable nanodevices and nanomaterials towards sustainable production and clinical translation, proving the possibility of recapitulating biomimetic functions on any synthetic nanodevice.
Goals
The main goal of the BOW project is to explore and consolidate the technology able to impart biological surface precision, circulation and targeting abilities of EVs to superparamagnetic nanodevices by "dressing" them with a single- or multi-layer "wetsuit" of EV membrane "fabric". This will proof and set a general, viable paradigm to recapitulate key biomimetic functions - including camouflage to the immune system and organ site/tumor targeting - to any synthetic nanodevice, while being disruptive as a first example of biogenic nanotechnology. Major objectives include: (i) production high-grade EVs with biomimetic and organotropic functions, (ii) synthesis and functionalization of MBDs, (iii) engineering a microfluidic device for streamlined fabrication of EV membrane coated MBDs (evMBDs) (iv) evaluation of evMBD biological performances and nanotoxiciy in-vitro, ex-vivo and in-vivo. BOW will be made possible thanks to well-established and internationally recognized academics (7), high biotech SMEs (3), plus 1 innovation consulting, contributing to strengthen European pool of expertise and biotechnology innovation eco-system.
Start date of activity
01/11/2020
Keywords
Extracellular Vesicles, Biomimetic Nanoparticles, Nanotechnology
Last update: 04/05/2024