Development of size-tuned polymeric nanoparticles and evaluation of the interaction with biological environments

Abstract

The proposed topic is focused on the use of "Colloids in the Nanomedicine". Initially, it will be explored the manufacturing of macromolecular nanostructures with potential biological applications. Polymeric Nanoparticles will be produces from a library of biodegradable and biocompatible polyesters and copolyesters aiming the optimization of the experimental conditions towards the production of nanoscale structures with potential application in the drug delivery of antitumoral agents via the EPR (Enhanced Permeation and Retention) effect, where dimensions below the cut-off size of ~ 200 nm is a prerequisite. Subsequently, the focus will move to the groundbreaking topic of nanobiointerfaces. The investigations will be devoted to the nature of interaction between nanoscale structures and biological environments, especially on the kinetics and thermodynamics of adsorption of proteins onto the surface of nanoparticle and the resulting protein-nanoparticle complexes. The formation of protein-nanoparticle complexes has critical implications in the biodistribution, biocompatibility and biorecognition of nanostructures by the living matter. The proposed subject will lead to an in-depth understanding on the preparation of nanostructured entities based on polymer and copolymers and it will guide to the development of manpower with multi and interdisciplinary knowledge enable to teach and lead projects in the main area of "Colloids and Interfaces" in Brazil. To the end, they will have a solid scientific knowledge in scattering methods (especially in the light scattering techniques). (AU)