Research topics Archives - ITN SNAL - Marie Curie Initial Training Network

Human cell culture models

James Kirkpatrick — Sun, 08 Dec 2013 08:50:44 +0000

The REPAIR-lab will use human in vitro systems to study the cellular effects of the nano-objects developed by the other partner laboratories. The use of complete cells represents the most complex of the in vitro models available in the consortium. The REPAIR-lab has human cell culture models of different complexity, beginning with permanent cell lines of varying tissue origin, including endothelial, epithelial and connective tissue cells. These are useful models for the rapid testing of possible cytotoxic effects. The next level are human primary and early passage cells. Examples are various types of endothelial cells (EC), especially from the microcirculation

(Read more...)

Phase coexistence and mechanical properties of biological membranes

Fernando Bresme — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 15:27:11 +0000

Open PhD position

(Read more...)

Nanoparticle functionalization and assembly and nano particle interface interactions

Fernando Bresme — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 15:24:01 +0000

Open PhD position

(Read more...)

Computer simulations of protein-bilayer interactions

Fernando Bresme — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 15:20:11 +0000

Mutual adaptation of the structure in molecular motors and impact of structural changes in the thermodynamic efficiency of the molecular motor. Open PhD position more

(Read more...)

Anti-bacterial surfaces inspired by cicada and dragonfly wings

Elena Ivanova — Mon, 02 Dec 2013 20:02:18 +0000

This is the first reported example of a naturally existing surface with a physical structure that exhibits such effective bactericidal properties. Cicada wing nanopillars are extremely effective at killing Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells; the wing surface was able to kill individual cells within approximately 3 min. This bactericidal ability of the wing surface is primarily a physico-mechanical effect, as it is retained when the surface chemistry is substantially altered.

(Read more...)

Interaction of peptides and proteins with membranes

Vladimir Baulin — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 20:26:30 +0000

Cell membranes represent a serious protective barrier for external molecules, proteins, nanoparticles and drugs. This barrier is quite efficient in protecting the interior of the cells. Cell penetrating peptides, certain proteins, pore forming peptides can preferentially interact with lipid membranes and form different structures. Very little can be said about the pathway and the entry mechanism regulating their internalization.

(Read more...)

Self-assembly of interpolyelectrolyte complexes and their interaction with lipid membranes

Vladimir Baulin — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 19:13:11 +0000

Electrostatic interactions are instrumental in determining the structure and function of living organisms, biopolymers and drug delivery systems. Charged macromolecules can self-assemble and aggregate into compact intermolecular complexes. This ability of oppositely charged polymers to form finite size complexes determines their biological function, which for example is important in gene transfection and compactization of DNA, that provide promising alternatives to viral vectors. Such macromolecular systems, where electrostatic forces are usually stronger than van der Waals or hydrogen bonds, exhibit rich behavior and structural variability. The structures formed by opposite charges are usually more stable than neutral block copolymers micelles dissociating upon dilution or slight change in the external conditions. The

(Read more...)

Translocation of nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes and polymers through bilayers

Vladimir Baulin — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 18:43:15 +0000

Cell membranes represent a serious protective barrier for external molecules, proteins, nanoparticles and drugs. This barrier is quite efficient in protecting the interior of the cells. However, large nanoscale objects, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) have been found inside the cells both in direct and indirect biological experiments. Such experiments suggest that carbon nanotubes can efficiently penetrate into the cells but very little can be said about the pathway and the entry mechanism regulating their internalization.

(Read more...)

Polymer micelles as drug carriers

Vladimir Baulin — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 18:34:49 +0000

Block copolymer micelles are composed of polymer chains with sequences of hydrophilic and hydrophobic blocks. In a dilute aqueous solution, they form spherical or cylindrical nano-objects comprised of several chains with a hydrophobic core and extended hydrophilic corona. Lipophilic drugs can be dissolved in the core of these micelles, while the corona will assure solubility of this nano-container in aqueous media. In addition, if the corona is composed of a block which does not induce the immune reaction (for example PEO) the interior of the micelle will be invisible to the immune system. Such systems are extensively studied experimentally.

(Read more...)

Permeability of lipid bilayers induced by polymers

Vladimir Baulin — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 18:07:01 +0000

Lipid bilayers emerge by self-organization of amphiphilic molecules and are the essential component of membranes of living cells. An important task of them is the selective exchange of substances between the cell and its environment. This becomes particularly interesting for delivering foreign molecules and RNA into the cell. In the classical view of cell biology static structures such as pores and channels formed by specific proteins control the translocation of molecules. In this work we show that there exists a straight forward mechanism for translocation of polymers through lipid bilayers if the monomers of the chain show a certain balance of

(Read more...)