One of the aims of the NMP Thematic area is the investigation of the impact of nanotechnology on society especially in the area of health and the environment. Activity 4.1 Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies have launched topics in these areas and projects from the first and second calls are now up and running.
The first call in 2007 had a topic called "Nano-scale mechanisms of bio/non-bio interactions". Funded projects from this call include.
NANO3T. Biofunctionalized metal and magnetic nanoparticles for targeted tumour therapy.
The cause of diseases is often unknown, but their origin can frequently be found at the biomolecular and cellular level situated on nm-scale. Early diagnostics combined with early intervention on that nanoscale is one of the holy grail of modern medicine. Inorganic nanoparticles are very promising agents in that respect. One of the promising biomedical applications of these nanoparticles is their use as agents for tumour hyperthermia. Hyperthermia is a form of cancer treatment that uses an elevated temperature to kill the tumour tissue. Compared to the more conventional surgical procedures, it is hailed as a less invasive approach that could be used for small, non-defined tumours.
Well-designed instrumentation in combination with engineered inorganic nanoparticles that (a) possess the desired physical properties to generate a local heat and that (b) can specifically target the tumour offer immense potentials for targeted hyperthermia therapy. The overall objective of the present multi-disciplinary project is to develop and to explore various metal/magnetic nanoparticles as agents for targeted tumour therapy. To strive for this overall objective, a successful integration and convergence of different technologies at the nanoscale is indispensable. See the Nano3T Website.
EXCELL. Exploring cellular dynamics at nanoscale.
EXCELL is a novel innovative approach to explore interaction mechanisms between biological materials and systems/nanostructures. It involves a forward-looking cross-disciplinary and design-based research to generate an integrated, biologically inspired technological platform of high complexity, able to monitor cell dynamics at nano-scale. Expertise in cellular and molecular biology, nanosciences, material engineering, biophysics, biotechnology, modelling, and analytical chemistry, are combined to address the targeted goals, which go beyond the state of the art methods used in traditional biotechnology and systems biology.
EXCELL will provide a complete Lab-in-a-Cell (LIC) sensor and actuator platform, which is capable of:
- studying single cells in their natural environment surrounded by other cells or a complex mixture of different cells/tissue,
- following the dynamics and interdependence of single cell processes from gene, protein, metabolite to compound secretion, exocytosis and cell-to-cell communication,
- testing how and where various stimuli affect the different levels of the molecular machinery and finally
- programming cells to be able to differentiate into a particular phenotype.
A major task is the design of suitable biocompatible nano/bio interfaces that ensures a sustainable cellular environment.
EXCELL provides a unique opportunity for developing advanced, novel experimental tools to address fundamental problems of stem cell research and poses a potential for possible diversification and modulation of developmental programs of stem cells to differentiate them into specific phenotypes. EXCELL has the capacity to drive new discoveries having a significant impact not only in the field of stem cell research and clinical use, but also on molecular engineering, nanosciences, sensor development, diagnostics, therapeutics, biotechnology and industry (smart materials, medical diagnostics, pharmaceutical companies, start-ups). See Project Website.
NANOSCALE. Understanding interactions between cells and nanopatterned surfaces.
The study of biological processes occurring at the nanoscale is becoming a new discipline at the border between Physics and Biology with major scientific challenges and new technological applications. In fact, interactions at the nanoscale between cells/neurons and surfaces with specific nanopatterns appear to control several major biological processes, such as cell proliferation and differentiation.
The aim of the present NanoScale proposal is therefore to explore interactions between stem cells, neurons, neuronal networks and surfaces with specific geometrical nanopatterns and nanoprints of specific proteins and molecules. In order to do so, we have formed an interdisciplinary consortium consisting of five major European research centres (SISSA, TASC-INFM, DTU, NMI and ENS) with two SMEs (MCS, Promoscience) gathering biological knowledge and expertise in the fabrication of nanostructures and of their manipulation. The NanoScale proposal will produce and develop a variety of nanodevices for growing, guiding, manipulating cells, neurons and neuronal cultures. For more information visit the Projects Website.