BOW

The objective of the project is to explore and consolidate a technology capable of endowing the capabilities of extracellular vesicles (EVs) to superparamagnetic nanodevices by “dressing” them with a “suit” of one or more layers of EV membrane “fabric.”

CHALLENGE

Until a few years ago, cell communication was thought to be regulated exclusively through cell-cell junctions or by the exchange of soluble molecular factors. However, it has been discovered that membranous nanoparticles, called extracellular nanovesicles (EVs), and tunneling nanotubes are also intercellular communication agents “made by cells for cells.” Their function is to transport lipids, proteins and nucleic acids, and they stand out for their precision and targeting ability, carried out thanks to the unique composition and structure of their membrane (which to date is inaccessible to synthetic mimics).

SOLUTION

The BOW project will develop a technology capable of endowing the capabilities of extracellular vesicles (EVs) to superparamagnetic nanodevices (Magnetic Bead Devices, MBDs) by “dressing” them with a “suit” of one or several layers of EV membrane “fabric.” It will establish a general and viable paradigm for applying key biomimetic functions – including the ability to evade the immune system and reach target organs/tissues/tumors – to any synthetic nanodevice. In turn, it will be disruptive in that it will be the first example of biogenic nanotechnology.

OUTCOME

This technology will promote the progress of implantable nanodevices and nanomaterials towards sustainable production and the clinic, impacting people’s quality of life. The main objectives include: i) production of EVs with biomimetic and organotropic functions, ii) synthesis and functionalisation of MBDs, iii) engineering of a microfluidic device for optimised fabrication of membrane-coated MBD EVs, iv) evaluation of biological performance and nanotoxicity of evMBDs and in-vitro, ex-vivo and in-vivo.