Synthesis and self-assembly of hybrid dendrimer/linear block copolymers containing folates for applications in biosensors and drug delivery systems

• Grant number: 17/24630-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: March 01, 2018
• End date: December 31, 2018
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Organic Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Cátia Cristina Capêlo Ornelas Megiatto
• Grantee: Diego Luan Bertuzzi
• Supervisor: Bradley Olsen
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), United States
• Associated to the scholarship: 15/04929-0 - Development of biosensors for instantaneous detection of proteins and cancer cells, for application on on-site biopsy, BP.DD

Abstract

Self-assembly of block copolymers with asymmetric shapes is an attractive approach to obtain innovative nanomaterials for a wide range of applications. Microphase separation of asymmetrical block copolymers can result in assemblies with organized nanometer-sized structures, which are not found in conventional linear copolymers. In this project, we propose the synthesis of dendrimer/PNIPAM block copolymers to obtain self-assembled nanostructures with potential application in biosensors and drug delivery systems. The use of a dendrimer block adds a branched multivalent character with additional possibilities for structural complexity, and an unusual structure-property relationship. Folate derivatives will be attached to the dendrimer block as a recognition element (or targeting group), a well-established approach to increase the folates' efficiency via cooperative interactions between the folate-dendrimer and the molecular target. The linear polymer PNIPAM is a widely used biocompatible polymer that has lower critical solution temperature behavior. The new dendrimer/PNIPAM conjugates are expected to form nanostructures with a high density of biomolecules with proper orientation, position, and with adjustable domains to allow the substrates' transport. These characteristics are essential to the development of highly efficient biosensors and drug delivery systems, overcoming the current limitations of such devices and enabling a higher number of practical applications. (AU)