General Objective

The main research objective of the present proposal is to grow from the surface of nanoparticles a biocompatible polymer able to bind in a controlled manner, through reversible covalent bonds, biological active molecules. The main components of the particular system used as proof of concept during this project are: magnetite nanoparticles as a core, methacrylates with EG side chains as polymer coatings and folic acid as bioactive molecule.

Synthesis of magnetite nanoparticles with an ATRP initiator on their surfaces;
SI-ATRP of a methacrylate monomer, with hydroxyl terminated ethylene glycol side chain;
Binding of folic acid to the polymer coated nanoparticles via stable or reversible bonds;
In vitro biocompatibility and targeting ability investigation;