Origami with triblock copolymers

该项目旨在开发具有优化形状的新型纳米颗粒结构，用于生物应用。大多数为药物输送而开发的纳米颗粒都是球形的。然而，这些并不总是最有效的，因为它们经常遇到穿透活细胞的问题。进化为高效入侵活细胞的病毒通常被拉长。该项目旨在通过聚合物的自组装来模拟这些结构。预期的结果包括更好地了解制备的纳米颗粒的各种大小、形状和表面基团如何与细胞相互作用。这些知识可能有助于创造更好的药物载体，以便更有效地治疗疾病。

This project aims to develop new nanoparticles structures with optimised shapes for biological applications. Most nanoparticles developed for drug delivery are spherical. However, these are not always the most efficacious as they often encounter problems penetrating the living cell. Viruses which have evolved to highly effectively invade living cells are often elongated. The project aims to mimic these structures by using the self-assembly of polymers. Expected outcomes include a better understanding how various sizes, shapes and surface groups of the prepared nanoparticles interact with cells. The knowledge could assist in the creation of better drug carriers for more efficient disease treatment.