Design and validation of a self-propelled nano-system for biomedical applications

Place: IMDEA Nanociencia conference room.

Abstract: 

The talk is focus on the development of 'nanoswimmers'. For this purpose, nanoparticles of different nature were functionalized with modified molecular chaperones, endowing the system with mobility and protein refolding properties. These nanosystems are called "nanoswimmers" because they are able to "navigate" in media containing adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This work demonstrates the positioning of proteins on the surface of the nanoparticles, as well as the versatility of the system and the efficiency of the coating. In addition, the mobility of the nanoswimmers depends on the ATP concentration, a parameter that allows controlling their speed of movement. This system can also be applied under thermal stress due to its high stability under extreme conditions. Nanoswimmers also show a significant reduction of amyloid aggregates in vitro, making it a novel and promising therapeutic approach to neurodegenerative diseases.