Emerging technologies for the synthesis of lipid nanoagregates, new materials, and in vitro models for cell monitoring

Abstract

This research project involves the activities of the Laboratory of Nano&Biotechnology for Advanced Developments (LaNBDA), under the coordination of the researcher responsible for this project. The research uses emerging technologies such as microfluidics and 3D bioprinting to develop new products and processes. Microfluidics is the science and technology that involves the manipulation of devices on a micrometric scale and works with the flow of small amounts of fluids, which circulate in artificial microsystems manufactured using specific materials. In these flow characteristics, it is possible to control molecules in time and space in a reproducible way. 3D bioprinting allows the construction of three-dimensional structures using relatively simple materials that bring benefits, including in regenerative medicine. For biomedical applications, biocompatible "paints" should be used. These technologies are explored in 3 research axes: (I) Nanomaterials: aiming at the synthesis of liposomes and encapsulation of drugs and bioactive in high productivity microdevices (subproject I.1); lipid nanoparticles for gene delivery (subproject I.2); hybrid nanoaggregates formed from extracellular vesicles (EVs) and liposomes (subproject I.3); (II) Microgels and 3D bioprinting: for the encapsulation of cells in hydrogels (subproject II.1); gene delivery and construction of microporous hydrogels formed by methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) particles (microporous annealed particle - MAP scaffolds) (subproject II.2); (III) In vitro models for cell behavior: development of microdevices based on hydrogels for the assessment of cell communication (subproject III.1); microfluidic devices for in vitro fertilization (subproject III.2). These subprojects have national collaborations, from Prof. Sang Won Han from the Cell and Molecular Therapy Center (CTCMol) of the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), Prof. Cristiano Luis Pinto de Oliveira from the Complex Fluids Group of the Physics Institute of the University of São Paulo (USP), of Prof. Hernandes Faustino de Carvalho and Prof. Marcelo Bispo de Jesus, both from the Institute of Biology (IB) at UNICAMP, Prof. Juliano Coelho da Silveira from USP - Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering / Department of Veterinary Medicine, Prof. Dr. Luís Carlos de Souza Ferreira and Dr. Marianna Favaro from the Institute of Biomedical Sciences (ICB) at USP. International collaborations are with Professors Stephanie Willerth from the University of Victoria (UVic)/Canada, Ali Khademhosseini (Chief Executive) from the Terasaki Institute (TIBI)/USA and Albert Folch from the University of Washington (UW)/USA, specialists in emerging technologies, such as 3D printers coupled with microfluidics and new materials. This project aims to contribute in the areas of nano & microtechnologies for the delivery of drugs, genes, and cells, specifically for the understanding of the fundamentals of the formation of liposomes and nanostructures derived from exosomes; incorporation of cells and genes in microporous microgels and hydrogels; in addition to the construction of microdevices that can contribute to the development of innovative platforms that mimic in vivo conditions, and allow the assessment of cell communication. It is also expected to train highly skilled human resources in these respective areas. (AU)