Project R-7349

Nano-enabled stem cell-based technologies (Research)

The last decade the use of stem cells has opened up a new frontier in medical therapy because of their high potential in regeneration and replacement of damaged tissues and cells. Nanotechnology opens up tremendous opportunities to exploit interactions at the nano-bio interface for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. In the present study, a new approach to direct nanoparticles' transport kinetics by stem cells will be explored through the regulation of the protein layer associated with nanoparticles. Therefore, model nanoparticles will be selected and synthesized with differences in their composition, surface properties and rigidity. Depending on the nanoparticles' properties, different proteins from the bodily fluids will be attached to their surface which play a pivotal role in determining their interaction with biological cells. In addition, the role of the exosomal pathway in the excretion of nanoparticles by stem cells, and how it can be triggered by the nanoparticle-corona composition will be identified. A better understanding of these concepts will aid in overcoming efficacy and safety issues associated with the currently used methodology to regulate stem cell-based technologies. Furthermore, it will boost the research on applying exosomes for clinical diagnostics and therapeutics.

01 October 2016 - 30 September 2020