This division of the Institute aims at providing the framework for the integration of physical sciences and engineering with life sciences. In the post-genomic era, which is characterized by the revolution of nanotechnology, systems biology and microelectronics, FORTH/ICE-HT has the expertise in nanotechnology and materials science, analytical and physical chemistry, surface chemistry and characterization, metabolic engineering, fermentation technology, quantitative systems biology and biotechnology and complex systems analysis and engineering, to pursue projects for: (a) analytical technology development and advancement for the accurate, systemic and systematic analysis of biological systems, (b) development of computational tools for the analysis and characterization of biological systems, (c) development of novel materials, which could be used in the context of aim (a) or constitute part of microdevices for nanobiotechnology applications. The current expertise of FORTH/ICE-HT with existing and pursued collaborations with the schools of Natural Sciences, Health Sciences and Engineering of the adjacent University of Patras and the other relevant Institutes of FORTH in Crete and Ioannina will expand the pursued applications in diverse areas, such as biotechnology and metabolic engineering, bioprocess development, strain selection, disease prognosis and diagnosis, medical therapies, bio-energy applications. We envision training a new generation of researchers in the life sciences who will be able to work, interact and collaborate in a diverse and highly interdisciplinary environment.
Development of nanosized liposomes for drug delivery and targeting applications.
Specific scopes include:
- Controlled drug release kinetics by design of lipid particles with appropriate lipid composition and stability.
- Targeting of specific cells/tissues by surface modification of nanoparticles with specific ligands and polymers for appropriate stealth properties (leading to increased drug activity and decreased drug toxicity), or by adding specific novel lipids in nanoliposome membranes. Examples include NPs for targeting hepatocytes or for delivery to the brain, or arsonoliposomes (Fig. 1) with specific anticancer activity, et.c.
Fig 1. Arsonoliposome morphology (studied by cryo-electron microscopy/Prof. P. Frederik).
- Increased localization at absorption site (or site of action) and/or increased drug absorption/penetration by development of specific types of nanoparticulates according to route of administration (for mucosal delivery increased mucoadhesive properties/ for transdermal delivery increase of particle penetration [elastic vesicles]/ for intravitreal administration increased stability and localization).
Fig. 2 Plain (A, C) and Chitosan-coated (B, D) NPs for Alveolar drug delivery
- Attachment of liposomal drugs on surfaces for improving material properties Fig. 3).
Fig. 3 attaching liposomal drugs to surfaces for improved properties
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