RESEARCH PROGRAMMES

P3: Nanomedicine against cancer and infection

P4: Nanomagnetism and critical raw materials

RESEARCH SUPERVISOR(S)

Prof. Álvaro Somoza
Research Group website: https://nanociencia.imdea.org/nanobiotechnology/group-home //  www.nanobioimdea.com

Dr Gorka Salas
Research Group website: https://www.nanociencia.imdea.org/magnetic-nanoparticles/group-home

RESEARCH TOPIC DESCRIPTION

The candidate will develop new therapeutic systems based on nucleic acids and nanoparticles. Particularly, the nucleic acids will be mainly based on modified siRNAs and antisense oligonucleotides to regulate non-coding RNAs (e.g., microRNAs, LncRNAs). The chemical modifications will be synthesized in the lab and incorporated into the oligonucleotides using an automated DNA/RNA synthesizer. These derivatives will be tested in cell culture for the treatment of different diseases, such as pancreatic cancer, uveal melanoma, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Different parameters will be evaluated, such as activity, stability, and selectivity. Then, the selected therapeutic nucleic acids will be further modified to ease their conjugation to nanoparticles, such as gold, iron oxide, or albumin, and control the release inside target cells. The linkers developed will also be employed in the implementation of the synthesis into a flow process during her/his secondment at the company Synthelia. Additionally, to improve the selectivity of the delivery, aptamers will be included in the formulation.

Furthermore, the inherent properties of the nanoparticles will also be studied and exploited for enhanced effect. For instance, the targeting properties of albumin will be considered, as well as the synergistic effect of hyperthermia-based approaches using metallic nanoparticles. Also, the imaging capabilities of the nanoparticles will be assessed in combination with the therapy for the development of theranostic systems.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The candidate should have experience in organic chemistry, which skills will be used for the preparation of linkers and nucleic acids. Experience in the preparation of inorganic nanomaterials functionalized with bioactive molecules, as well as in studying their interaction with cells, is strongly recommended.

PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS

The secondment will be carried out at Synthelia, where the candidate will develop a Flow process for the preparation of new modified nanoparticles.