Investigation on the interactions between nanomaterials and biomolecules: nanomedicine, nanotoxicology and applications as sensors for diagnosis

• Grant number: 08/08639-2
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: May 01, 2009
• End date: April 30, 2012
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - Condensed Matter Physics
• Principal Investigator: Valtencir Zucolotto
• Grantee: Valtencir Zucolotto
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física de São Carlos (IFSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Nanomaterials, including nanoparticles and nanotubes have been recently employed in conjunction with biological materials as hybrid, active materials to be applied as biotechnological devices. Such devices include biological markers, drug-delivery systems and sensors for diagnosis. However, optimization of the latter devices requires a better understanding of the interactions occurring between the component materials, as well as the optimization of the manipulation techniques. Interactions between bio and nanomaterials are in most cases enhanced by the similarities in size and form. A good strategy to process nanomaterials in conjunction with bimolecules is through immobilization in the form of multilayer thin films, in which control over thickness and film architecture may be easily reached. It is important to mention that upon knowing the interactions between nano and bio materials, we would infer about nanotoxicity, a research theme under wide investigation at international research groups, and also recently started in our group. In this project we aim at investigating the interactions occurring between nanoparticles and carbon based materials (nanotubes and fullerenes) with biological molecules, membranes and cells. The studies will improve the ability of combining these classes of materials for devices fabrications, as in the case of sensors for tropical diseases and also the knowledge about nanotoxicity features. (AU)

Filed patent(s) as a result of this research project