Functionalization of cubosome and structural evaluations for application prospects: Consolidation of international partnership

• Grant number: 25/02667-0
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Visiting Researcher Grant - International
• Start date: October 27, 2025
• End date: November 10, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biophysics - Biophysics of Processes and Systems
• Principal Investigator: Omar Mertins
• Grantee: Omar Mertins
• Visiting researcher: Angelina Angelova
• Visiting researcher institution: Université Paris-Sud, Châtenay-Malabry/Ups, France
• Host Institution: Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São Paulo. São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The functionalized cubosome consists of a lipid nanoparticle with a defined crystalline structure and a biopolymer coating that provides pH-responsiveness and a consequent change in the crystalline structure, including phase transitions. These characteristics contribute to possible applications of this material as a drug delivery system, mainly for the oral administration route. This proposal seeks to extend this line of research, integrating efforts from both parties, the visiting researcher and the principal investigator group, for a long-term partnership. It is a vital complement to the ongoing research project (proc. FAPESP 2024/01040-0), mainly due to its relevance in the use of cutting-edge techniques such as SAXS, TR-SAXS, and cryo-TEM, expertises of the visiting researcher. We propose a visit that includes supervision of graduate students, a seminar, a lecture at an international conference, and new collaborations, thus fostering the internationalization of research. (AU)