ACORN · Nanoparticle-Based Therapeutic Applications and Detection of Carbon Monoxide Releasing Molecules

Carbon monoxide (CO) has gathered increasing attention because of its role as a gasotransmitter with therapeutic and cell-protective effects. It is also recognised as a cell-signalling molecule where recent developments in the area of CO-releasing molecules (CORMs) and materials for controlled CO application have shown their importance with respect to delivery of such agents to their respective targets. However, despite their promise, their remains two major bottlenecks that may prevent these compounds from reaching the clinic. Firstly, the precise spatial-temporal CO release of CORMs is not target-specific. The CO molecule is highly diffusive and binds to haemoproteins, which are ubiquitous. Secondly, CORMs are made of metal carbonyl complexes and as organometallic compounds, there is the potential of heavy metal toxicity. Moreover, since CORMs are water-soluble they are distributed throughout the body, which can lead to further increased toxicities against healthy tissues. Our project aims to alleviate some of the problems of CORMs by a) developing a method to monitor CO release by MRI and optical imaging; b) reformulate CORMs by encapsulating inside nanomaterials (specifically the FDA approved PLGA as a nanocarrier) and c) provide targeting of the CORMs to their site of delivery by conjugating peptide targeting moieties to the surface of the PLGA nanoparticle. Through the completion of these activities, I;;, supported by its twinning partners, is in the best position to achieve an improved capability to compete for internationally competitive research funding and to access business stakeholders. By claiming its position in research and innovation networks IMM will effectively contribute to research excellence and value creation in health at European level.