Development of polymeric nanoparticles based on biodegradable and biocompatible polymers

The encapsulation of molecules and combination or functionalization of nanoparticles according to specific requests is sometimes hard to perform by companies or laboratories. An Italian company has developed targeted process expertise in developing innovative nanoparticles and this may lead to offer a personalized solution in order to improve the chemical-physical characteristics and pharmacokinetic properties of the molecules of interest. The offered technology/know how includes the development of polymeric nanoparticles based on biodegradable and biocompatible polymers, that can be used as delivery carriers (synthetic or natural molecules, probes, and natural antioxidant molecules). Additionally, the nanoparticle surface can be functionalized with specific ligands (antibodies, aptamers or small organic molecules), which allow to increase the plasma half-life, reduce immunogenicity and favor the targeting towards surface proteins overexpressed on cells target. The nanoformulation improves some unfavorable chemical-physical characteristics of the encapsulated molecules: increases the solubility of poorly soluble molecules in aqueous environments; protects labile molecules from inactivation and enzymatic and chemical degradation; increases the bioavailability; increases the fraction of molecules that reaches the site of absorption or action; reduces the adverse reactions and / or unwanted side effects. The nanoparticles can be used for drug delivery, diagnostic, cosmetics and agro-industry fields. The company operates in the field of nanotechnologies, aimed at researchers, companies and professionals interested in the development and application of nanoparticles in building materials, pharmaceutical, biomedical, cosmetics and agro-industry areas, searching for expertise in the field of nanomaterials, and in their application to oncology. The main activities of the Italian company are focused on: (a) synthesis of inorganic nanomaterials including ceramic, colloidal, iron oxide, and zinc oxide nanoparticles. The surface of nanoparticles can be functionalized with organosilicon-based derivatives, or various functional groups, for the subsequent conjugation with biomolecules, as well as contrast agents and bioactive molecules/ drugs. (b) design and formulation of polymeric nanoparticles for passive and active “targeting, with programmable features, in order to enhance site-specificity towards different biological targets, as well as to increase the therapeutic efficacy and the bioavailability of natural and synthetic active molecules. The nanoparticle surface can be functionalized with specific ligands (antibodies, peptides, aptamers or small organic molecules), which allow to increase the plasma half-life, reduce immunogenicity and favor the targeting toward surface proteins overexpressed on target cells. The company may offer own expertise in the field of oncology, where they are already working. Depending on the type of expertise requested, the Italian company may offer research agreements (i.e for participation in project proposals), technical cooperation agreements or service agreements.