pH-sensitive behavior of Switchable liposomes by monitoring the phase separation on giant vesicles

Nanomaterials have revolutionized biomedical and pharmaceutical technology in the past decades. Several nanomedicines have reached the clinics but the overall clinical translation is still low. Precise delivery of the pharmaceutical agent at the right time and space remains a challenge. Responsive materials can overcome this limitation by modulation of their behavior according to internal (e.g., pH) or external triggers (e.g. light). We have recently developed pH-sensitive switchable liposomes which specifically release bioactive compounds within the cell upon acidification. The endosomal escape of nucleic acids and hydrophilic compounds was significantly improved as compared to commercial agents, accompanied with a lower toxicity. In this project, we want to investigate the pH-sensitive behavior of such switchable liposomes to mechanistically understand the governing factors behind the pH-sensitive liposomes destabilization. The outcome of this research could positively contribute to the pharmaceutical field by clarifying the intracellular drug delivery mechanism of pH-sensitive liposomes.

Faculty Supervisor:

Jeanne Leblond Chain

Student:

Partner:

Université de Bordeaux

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Nanotechnology; Pharmaceuticals

University:

Université de Montréal

Program: