DesiRTA · Localize and Controlled co-delivery of AuNPs conjugated siRNA by Cationic Shear-thinning Gel Matrix for Treatment of Arthritis (DesiRTA)

Arthritis is a common metabolic and immune associate disease that causes chronic pain and inflammation in a joint. Approximately312 million people are affected by arthritis globally. It affects adults of all ages, both sexes, and all races and ethnicities, but theprevalence in women is more than in men. Professional organizations have established many arthritis treatment regimens andmanagement guidelines; in those nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroids and biologicals are the main ones. These areeffective against the disease aggressiveness and pain up to some extent, but the problem is this treatment is only symptomatic andrequires taking them lifelong; in that case, these drugs cause severe health problems and again increase the economic burden. Forthese reasons, we need to develop a therapeutic technique and medication that can eliminate the symptom and causes of the diseaseforever and prevent the ever-increasing number of patients worldwide. DesiTRA projects are an effort in the same vein to develop aneffective therapeutic alternative for arthritis that will avoid the aggravation of disease symptoms and cause of the disease together,without causing any health-associated side effects. In this, mainly gold nanoparticle (AuNPs) conjugated siRNA will be delivered at thedisease site locally. Modified polysaccharides will increase the stability and release rate of AuNPs-siRNA, and these assemblies will bedelivered very controlled and precisely through a synovial fluid mimicking the shear-thinning hydrogel system. The ambitiousproject will be conducted at two different groups and laboratories in Ireland and Portugal. The project involves experiencedresearchers of other but related areas that will allow applicants to work in multidisciplinary aspects. The prestigious fellowship willprovide a plate form of renowned subject experts, and exposure to international collaborators will provide a unique opportunity togrow as a true researcher