DNA as the addressable element in mesoporous silica particles

Oligonucleotides will be structurally integrated within complementary architectures in order to synthesize hybrid nanomaterials featuring biomolecular-driven behavior. We plan to synthesize nanoparticles featuring nucleic acid conjugates embedded in the structural network, so that their dynamics could be programmed for cancer therapy. We intend to make use of the biodegradable organosilica technology developed in De Cola’s laboratory at the University of Strasbourg (UNISTRA), not otherwise available at McGill University. The principal aim would be to exploit physical, chemical and biological properties of nanosystems that will be utilized as drug delivery carriers and functional therapeutics for advanced personalized nanomedicine applications. The outcomes of this experience will provide fundamental knowledge towards developing novel functional nanomaterials that can help to go beyond the state-of-the-art of drug delivery systems currently used for biomedical treatments.

Faculty Supervisor:

Hanadi Sleiman

Student:

Partner:

Université de Strasbourg

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Education

University:

McGill University

Program: