Synthesis of Thiol-PEG-PBS-grafted gold nanoparticles for the treatment of head-and-neck cancers

Cancer represents a major public health problem, representing about 13% of deaths worldwide, accounting for more than seven million deaths a year. Surgical excision, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy encompass the forefront of antineoplastic therapy; however, it is well known the numerous adverse effects related to these therapeutic modalities. Some treatments have enough potential to help or replace conventional treatments, such as Magneto hyperthermia and Photodynamic therapy. These require the development of new materials at the nanoscale, that can carry out the loading of its components and that present the characteristics of biocompatibility necessary for biomedical applications. In this context, the objective of the work is to develop a release mechanism based on gold nanoparticles coated with HS-PEG-PBS to enhance the treatment of head and neck cancer. The system consists of the synthesis of gold nanoparticles that will be coated with the HS-PEG-PBS copolymer. Subsequently, three experimental groups will be produced: Group 1 consists of the incorporation of perillyl alcohol, which will function as a chemotherapeutic agent, to the coated gold particle; The second group consists of the incorporation of the photosensitizing agent into the particle; In the third group will be encapsulation of both drugs to the particle.

Faculty Supervisor:

Valerie Gaelle Roullin

Student:

Partner:

Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Education

University:

Université de Montréal

Program: