Reference: CSD2006-00012
Funded by: MEC
Program: CONSOLIDER – INGENIO 2010
Period: 01/09/2006 – 31/08/2011
Partners: Fundación Privada Institut Català de Nanotecnologia (ICN), Universidad de Zaragoza-Instituto de Nanociencia de Aragón (INA), CSIC-Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Aragón (ICMA), , Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Barcelona (ICMAB), Centro de Microelectrónica de Barcelona (CNM-IMB), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Universidad de Barcelona-Instituto de Nanociencia y Nanotecnología (IN2UB), Parque Científico de Barcelona (PCB), Universidad de Santiago de Compostela (USC), Universidad de Vigo
Summary:
The Consolider Team NANOBIOMED combines joint expertise of relevant scientists from different research areas (Physics, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmacy, and Medicine) in an attempt to solve borderline problems by using nanotechnology in the field of biomedicine. The objectives of the Team are focused on the applications of nanoparticles in two important areas: Nanotherapy and Nanodiagnosis. We aim to develop new approaches in the field of drug delivery. The use of nanoparticles will allow targeting the drug toward the malignant region of the body avoiding collateral non-desirable side effects. This is significantly important in the case of cancer treatment with cytostatic agents. We will investigate nanoparticles with different functionalities for physical targeting and methods of functionalization of their surfaces in order to attach bioligands which can biochemically recognize the targeted organ. In the field of Nanodiagnosis, nanoparticles will be used in order to detect a determined antigen in an analyte by using “batch” based biosensor platforms. This diagnosis system is very easy to use and will allow for a rapid evaluation at the point of care. Miniaturized electrodes based on electrochemical platforms will be developed by using the most advanced nanolithography techniques. An application based in “lateral flow” biosensors will be developed for quantification the presence of antibiotics in food. Early detection of malignant tumours is a challenge that we plan to pursue within this project. Our approach is based on new methods to develop smart contrast agents to enhance the MRI contrast signal. Standard or improved SPION (superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles) will be functionalized and tagged with adequate bioligands in order to concentrate the nanoparticles in the neighbourhood of the incipient tumour region. Another approach will be the targeting of the contrast agent by dendritic cells which have great affinity for the tumour cells. The proposed research will be developed in close connection with industrial partners, who are either already collaborating with us in specific projects or show interest in the proposed research lines. The support of this Team will produce a significant advance from the point of view of scientific achievements and also for technological transfer.