Projects / Programmes
Uporaba magnetne nanotehnologije za transfekcijo normalnih in tumorskih celic (Slovene)
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 3.04.00 |
Medical sciences |
Oncology |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 3.01 |
Medical and Health Sciences |
Basic medicine |
Researchers (10)
Organisations (1)
| no. |
Code |
Research organisation |
City |
Registration number |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
| 1. |
0302 |
Institute of Oncology Ljubljana |
Ljubljana |
5055733000 |
15,472 |
Significance for science
The majority of clinical studies of gene therapy use viruses as transport vehicles for
therapeutics. The use of viruses as gene delivery systems is limited due to the receptor
dependent host tropism, preexisting immunity of the host, induced immune response by
the virus, potential recombination of viral and host cell genetic material and largescale
infrastructure for virion production. Because of that and despite the fact that the highest
transfection efficiency is obtained by using viruses as vehicles for nucleic acids, new
methods have begun developing. Nanoparticles represent novel and very promising nonviral
delivery systems for targeted introduction of therapeutic molecules. Moreover, magnetic nanoparticles are even more specialized delivery systems because they are able to be manipulated with the help of an external magnetic field which accentuates the selectivity targeted introduction of therapeutic molecules. Due to the relatively big surface area in comparison to the volume
nanoparticles possess unique physicochemical properties which distinguish them from the
chemically identical bulk material. Hence, using nanoparticles for biomedical applications
strict characterization of their physicochemical properties is essential. Different physical
properties, such as shape, size and magnetization, of otherwise chemically identical
nanoparticles greatly affect biodistribution. For that reason every particular nanoparticles
need to be evaluated for biocompatibility, cellular uptake, mobility and accumulation within
the cells and in vitro tissue model. New understandings about magnetic nanoparticles' behavior in vitro are vital for the optimization of magnetofection for targeted gene therapy by an external magnetic field. The results obtained from the project will provide novel scientific recognitions which will be the basis for further research and projects in the field of biomedical nanotechnology.
Significance for the country
Interdisciplinary approach represents efficient solution for the problems which derive from
the fast rate specialization within the particular scientific field, however, in Slovenia this
approach in science is just evolving. Incorporation of nanotechnology into biomedical
applications is gaining importance; thus this project and its results will not only contribute to
the introduction of nanotechnology to biomedicine but also encourage the collaboration
between various scientific fields. Moreover, the results of this project will enrich the treasury
of knowledge of relatively young field of biomedical nanotechnology not only in Slovenia but
also worldwide. New findings about the behavior of magnetic nanoparticles in living matter
will be the basis for further optimization of largescale production of magnetic nanoparticles
intended for institutions dealing with biomedical nanotechnology on an applied and
research level.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
