Designing well-defined macromolecule based nanostructures for multi-tasking

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

This research program is directed at developing smart nanomaterials which can perform multiple pre-determined functions cooperatively and efficiently. One of the major challenges in addressing key issues in areas including catalysis, environmental sensing and biology, was recently identified to be the synthesis of next generation nanoparticles which consolidate important functions into a single system. Our focus is to simplify the design of such complex nanocarriers, and to develop a robust synthetic methodology that yields well-defined molecules capable of, for example, simultaneous diagnosis, targeting and therapy. For this purpose, we will construct dendrimers and miktoarm polymer based multifunctional nanostructures using tailor-made building blocks and highly efficient chemistry. These macromolecules offer two unique platforms for introducing desired functions entirely by conjugation or a combination of covalent linking and encapsulation. Our goals within the next five years are to develop a reproducible synthetic route to strategically engineer the location of tracking units (in the nanoparticle core or at the periphery), and in controlling the overall composition of the nanoparticle with a defined combination of therapeutic, targeting and solubilizing agents. To enhance the efficacy of parahydrogen induced polarization, we will develop a transition metal-based catalyst for incorporating this imaging functionality at the periphery of nanoparticles in an aqueous medium. We will carry out a detailed evaluation of the cooperative mode of action of different functional units in a nanoformulation. The results from this essential study will guide us in the design and synthesis of nanoprobes capable of dual mode imaging. We aim to combine fluorescence from the dye at the core with i) another dye encapsulated in micelles or covalently linked in dendrimers for fluorescence resonance energy transfer processes, and ii) with parahydrogen induced polarization at the periphery of dendrimers.