Extracellular vesicles from a natural source for tailormade nanomaterials' -- 'Ves4US' (DSB.AD008.439)

Research project

Other structures collaborating in the research project

Project manager

ANTONELLA BONGIOVANNI
Phone number: 0916809554
Email: antonella.bongiovanni@irib.cnr.it

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell-derived, membranous particles that mediate intercellular communication by transferring biomolecules such as proteins and RNAs. The discovery of EVs as natural biocarriers and inter-species communication means has raised great interest in the drug delivery field. Despite promising progresses, translational applications are currently hampered by the lack of suitable processes for the isolation, characterisation and functionalisation of EVs. A core aspect of the project is to focus vesicles from an identified natural source, which could constitute a more economically viable and sustainable source of EVs. This will allow the development of natural nanocarriers with unprecedented abilities for drug delivery in specific tissues such as brain, lung, skin, dendritic or tumor cells. Ves4US is endorsed by prominent industrial stakeholders with strong interests in market-oriented innovation.

Goals

The aim of Ves4us is to develop a radically new platform for the efficient production and functionalisation of extracellular vesicle derived from natural-source, which will enable for their exploitation as tailor-made products in the fields of nanomedicine, cosmetics and nutraceutics

Start date of activity

01/09/2018

Keywords

Extracellular vesicles, exosomes, cell-cell communication

Last update: 30/04/2024