Home
Objectives
The research goal is to explore the scope and limitations of Glyco-Nano-Particles (GNPs) as a probe for deepening the understanding of biomolecular interactions and as an instrument to intervene into these interactions in order to solve biomedical problems. In particular, the GNP technology will be developed for the protein-carbohydrate and carbohydrate-carbohydrate interaction studies and applications. The innovative combination of a variable metallic core with a selected set of ligands can turn GNPs into vaccines or anti-adhesion agents or protective and directing vehicles to deliver compounds safely at their target location.
In this project various aspects of GNPs will be studied. The aim, duration and size of a Research Training Network does not allow for an exhaustive exploration of scope and limitations of this newly emerging, very broad scientific area. Therefore, several choices are required to allow for a realistic focus in the research. In part these choices have been made in the preparation phase of the project. Further choices are scheduled during the life cycle of the project. (See section B4.1). Three classes of explorations can be identified: vaccines, interaction inhibitors and delivery vehicles.
In order to arrive at the goal a series of objectives have been defined:
- To construct well characterized GNPs and their interacting partners.
- To explore and apply advanced biophysical characterization methods for GNPs.
- To explore and apply in-vitro/ex-vivo/in-vivo biomolecular interaction assays.
- To deepen the understanding of carbohydrate-protein and carbohydrate-carbohydrate biomolecular interactions.
- To optimise and innovate the design and construction of GNPs
- To explore potential biomolecular applications of GNPs
- To integrate the results and to draw conclusions on scope and limitations for the use of GNPs.
Although the objectives cover only a limited part of the potential spectrum of applications and insights, their realization would constitute an important breakthrough. This should ultimately result in both economic and health benefits for the community.