GLYCOGOLD · Exploration of the nature and potential of Glyco-nano-particles
FP6 — Marie Curie Actions (Human Resources and Mobility)
- Duration
- 2005-04-01 → 2009-03-31
- EU contribution
- €2,327,423
- Participants
- 14
- Scheme
- RTN
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Results in brief
Final Activity Report Summary - GLYCOGOLD (Exploration of the nature and potential of glyco-nano-particles)
Many signalling and regulation process in our cells depend on very specific recognition of bio-molecules and the specific nature of their interactions. Often carbohydrates (sugar or glycan are largely synonyms) or carbohydrate elements in larger molecules are involved in these mechanisms. Earlier research had provided know-how on methods to prepare nano-particles with a metallic core and specific carbohydrate molecules on the outside. These nano particles have sometimes very interesting properties. The exploration of the potential of gold Glyco-nano-particles (GNPs) has been central in the project. We studied the potential of GNPs as a probe for deepening the understanding of biomolecular interactions and as an instrument to solve biomedical problems. We managed to refine the chemical methods to make tailor made nano-particules where we are now able to include a wide variety of functional molecules to the particle. Functionalised GNPs typically have a metallic core of gold (or of other metals or even semiconductors) covered with multiple spacered carbohydrate ligands. These particles can be tailor made to study and optimise the functioning of the active compound, to include special tags for diagnostic purposes, and to achieve targeted delivery. The following targets have been pursued. 1 To construct well characterised GNPs and their interacting partners. 2 To explore and apply advanced biophysical characterisation methods for GNPs. 3 To explore and apply in-vitro / ex-vivo / in-vivo biomolecular interaction assays. 4 To deepen the understanding of carbohydrate-protein and carbohydrate-carbohydrate biomolecular interactions. 5 To optimise and innovate the design and construction of GNPs. 6 To explore potential biomolecular applications of GNPs. 7 To integrate the results and to draw conclusions on scope and limitations for the use of GNPs.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
The aim of the RTN is to explore the potential of gold Glyco-Nano-Particles (GNPs), to deepen the understanding of bio-molecular interactions and to solve biomedical problems. The innovative combination of a variable metallic core with a selected set of ligands can turn GNPs into vaccines or anti-adhesion agents or dedicated vehicles to deliver compounds safely at their target location. GlycoGold will operate as a virtual research-training centre at the interface of physics, chemistry, immunology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics. It integrates and expands the knowledge base and infrastructures of the partners. It has work packages (WPs) that deal with materials, tools and insight into bio-molecular interactions, and WPs geared towards the application of GNPs as vaccines, and control of interactions.The Training&Mobility and Design&Innovation WPs and active networking ensure a smooth project workflow. The tasks are assigned to international task forces. The research is timely, because the required techniques have evolved to a point that an integrated multinational approach is viable. Secondly, interest of industries in obtaining this information is high. Thirdly, the necessary overall knowledge to perform the research in a single laboratory does no t exist in Europe, and very few graduates have the integrated knowledge to operate in this area, despite the large demand for them.The network provides an interdisciplinary training environment for these specialists, where training is offered through:(i) handson experience,(ii) summer schools aimed to bridge the knowledge gap between the physical and life sciences,(iii) short courses, lectures, demonstrations and practical training sessions, and(iv) activities for individual career development.Dedicated international and multilingual science promoting activities are scheduled annually aimed at young science students and in particular at high-school pupils.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- UNIVERSITEIT UTRECHT · UTRECHTCoordinatorNetherlands
- ASOCIACION CENTRO DE INVESTIGATIONES COOPERATIVA EN BIOMATERIALES-CIC BIOMAGUNE · SAN SEBASTIANCity levelSpain
- CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE · PARISFrance
- CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS · MADRIDSpain
- INFRAE V.O.F. · ROTTERDAMCity levelNetherlands
- INSTITUTE OF CHEMISTRY, SLOVAK ACADEMY OF SCIENCES · BRATISLAVACity levelSlovakia
- MIDATECH LTD · LONDONUnited Kingdom
- STOCKHOLMS UNIVERSITET · StockholmSweden
- UNILEVER NEDERLAND BV · VLAARDINGENNetherlands
- UNIVERSITAIR MEDISCH CENTRUM UTRECHT · UTRECHTNetherlands
- UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DUBLIN, NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, DUBLIN · DUBLINIreland
- UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON · LONDONUnited Kingdom
- UNIVERSITY OF ZAGREB, FACULTY OF PHARMACY AND BIOCHEMISTRY · ZAGREBCity levelCroatia
- VALTION TEKNILLINEN TUTKIMUSKESKUS (VTT) · ESPOOFinland
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union