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, biologically 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.

Specific Objectives

• 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