Hybrid inorganic/organic nanomaterials aiming the study of the interaction of nanoparticles and plants

• Grant number: 18/02413-4
• Support type: Research Grants - Visiting Researcher Grant - International
• Duration: April 01, 2019 - April 30, 2019
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Chemistry of Macromolecules
• Cooperation agreement: CONFAP ; Newton Fund, with FAPESP as a partner institution in Brazil ; UK Academies
• Principal Investigator: Leonardo Fernandes Fraceto
• Grantee: Leonardo Fernandes Fraceto
• Visiting researcher: Humphrey Hak Ping Yiu
• Visiting researcher institution: Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland
• Principal investigator abroad: Humphrey Hak Ping Yiu
• Institution abroad: Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland
• Home Institution: Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia. Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Sorocaba. Sorocaba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The development of nanomaterials (inorganic/organic) that are able to interact with plants is an important issue to be investigated. Therefore, a core-shell design with inorganic nanoparticle cores coated with organic (in special polymeric and lipid) shells is interesting due the possibilities to detect the inorganic nanoparticles into the plants. In this context, this proposal aims to strengthen the initial contact with the group of Prof. Yiu in order to address some of these issues. Dr. Fraceto has experience in nanotechnology applied to the development of delivery systems for bioactive compounds and in this context, starts a cross disciplinary collaboration with Prof. Yiu (Chemical Engineering, HWU) will widen Dr. Fraceto's interest in synthesis and use of inorganic-organic hybrid nanoparticles. Prof. Yiu has extensive experience in developing inorganic-organic hybrid nanoparticles, in particular polymer-coated iron oxide (magnetic) nanoparticles MNPs. In this context, Prof. Yiu will bring in expertise on this type of materials to UNESP, fostering trans-Atlantic collaborations. (AU)