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Biogenic Organotropic Wetsuits

Project description

Nanoparticles with a biogenic surface

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are the universal shuttles of intercellular communication, transferring lipids, proteins and nucleic acids, mediating physiological processes and spreading various diseases, including cancer and infections. The main goal of the EU-funded BOW project is to explore and develop the technology capable of lending the biological surface precision, circulation and targeting abilities of EVs to superparamagnetic nanodevices by coating them with a single- or multi-layer EV membrane. This technology aims to advance implantable nanodevices and nanomaterials towards sustainable production and clinical translation, proving the possibility of recapitulating biomimetic functions on any synthetic nanodevice.

Objective

Extracellular vesicle (EVs) nanoparticles are the universal agents of intercellular and inter-organismal communication “made by cells for cells” to shuttle lipids, proteins and nucleic acids, EVs mediate physiological processes and help to spread various diseases, including cancer and infections. Their innate navigation performances take origin in the unique structure and composition of their membrane (which is to date inaccessible to synthetic mimics). The main goal of the BOW project is to explore and consolidate the technology able to impart biological surface precision, circulation and targeting abilities of EVs to superparamagnetic nanodevices (Magnetic Bead Devices, MBDs) by “dressing” them with a single- or multi-layer “wetsuit” of EV membrane “fabric”. This will proof and set a general, viable paradigm to recapitulate key biomimetic functions – including camouflage to the immune system and organ site/tumor targeting – to any synthetic nanodevice, while being disruptive as a first example of biogenic nanotechnology. If successful, such a non-incremental technology will promote the progress of implantable nanodevices and nanomaterials towards sustainable production and clinical translation, contributing to strengthen and keep in the lead position European biotechnology and impacting life quality for people. Major objectives include: (i) production high-grade EVs with biomimetic and organotropic functions, (ii) synthesis and functionalization of MBDs, (iii) engineering a microfluidic device for streamlined fabrication of EV membrane coated MBDs (evMBDs) (iv) evaluation of evMBD biological performances and nanotoxiciy in-vitro, ex-vivo and in-vivo. BOW will be made possible thanks to a balanced ecology-biology-biophysics-chemistry-engineering matrix, of well-established and internationally recognized academics (7), high biotech SMEs (3), plus 1 innovation consulting, contributing to strengthen European pool of expertise and biotechnology innovation eco-system.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Keywords

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

RIA - Research and Innovation action

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) H2020-FETPROACT-2019-2020

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Coordinator

CONSORZIO INTERUNIVERSITARIO PERLO SVILUPPO DEI SISTEMI A GRANDE INTERFASE
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 598 725,35
Address
VIA DELLA LASTRUCCIA 3
50019 Firenze
Italy

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Region
Centro (IT) Toscana Firenze
Activity type
Research Organisations
Links
Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 598 725,35

Participants (12)

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