| KEYWORD |
Polymeric nanoparticles as gene delivery systems
Thesis in external company 
Thesis abroad
keywords CELL CULTURES, DRUG DELIVERY, GENE EXPRESSION DATA ANALYSIS
Reference persons VALENTINA ALICE CAUDA
External reference persons Dr. Cristina Fornaguera, Prof. Salvador Borros - Istituto Quimico Sarrìa- Barcelona -Spain
Research Groups AA - Materials and Processes for Micro and Nano Technologies, IQS – Instituto Químico de Sarrià – Barcelona (Spain)
Thesis type EXPERIMENTAL, IN LAB
Description This Master thesis project will be inserted in a collaborative project between PoliTo and IQS (Barcelona, Spain) aiming to develop a mRNA cancer vaccine based on polymeric nanoparticles encapsulated in lipidic vesicles to make an efficient nanosystem in terms of in vitro and in vivo targeting for antitumoral therapy. The Master candidate is expected to spend at least 6 months at IQS in Barcelona (Spain). A thesis period of 6-7 months would be ideal considering the thesis writing.
The group of prof. Borros at IQS has experience in the design of polymeric nanoparticles, composed of poly (beta aminoester) (PBAE) polymers as gene delivery systems. Recently, they have demonstrated their ability to target the spleen and selectively transfect antigen presenting cells, although in a low yield and not selective only to dendritic cells. The group is seeking for a ahighly motivated master student able to learn the synthesis of nanomaterials and carry new experiments on cells to transfect genes. The project will be in collaboration with the research group of Prof. Valentina Cauda of Polito thanks to the experience on designing and re-ingeneering lipid nanosystems to encapsulate (or coat) various types of nanoparticles, with the aim to increase the cell penetration efficiency, biomimicry, non-immunogenicity and bio-stability of the inorganic nanoparticles.
See also https://www.iqs.edu/en/research; https://www.tnhlab.polito.it/
Required skills chemistry, material science, nanotechnology, nanobiotechnology, drug delivery systems, gene delivery, rudimentals of cell biology
Notes This position is not funded but the candidate could ask for funding at Politecnico for Master thesis abroad
Deadline 18/05/2023
PROPONI LA TUA CANDIDATURA