Synthesis of inorganic, organic-inorganic and bioinspired nano-materials. Application in drug and gene delivery, molecular imaging and biosensors. Development of controlled release models for biologically active molecules.
Our research is devoted to the preparation of organic-inorganic nanohybrids for delivery of antitumor drugs, genes and proteins. Special interest is devoted to nanobiotechnology approaches for developing biomimetic materials. Stimuli-responsive nanostruc-tured systems and organic solvent-free new technology for the development of stable magnetic nanoparticles are also targets in current research.
This group represents an interdisciplinary team, containing, chemists, pharmacists and biologists, with a high standard background in materials science and organic chemistry. We also hold excellent collaborations with other laboratories and research groups in biotechnology and bioengineering. Our experience in the development of new concepts and novel materials for industrial processes and devices reflects in the numerous projects with private companies and more than 200 patents in synthesis and applications of materials, several of them currently being commercialized. Among the most recent achievements of our group are the preparation of gold nanoclusters with optical activity for cellular labeling and photothermal therapy of cancer, the development of mesoporous silica nanoparticles with ultra large pores for gene delivery and a novel organic-inorganic hybrid model for intracellular release of antitumor drugs.