The development and characterization of nanoparticles is dictated by the growing need to use nanomaterials in biomedical applications. In the case of an innovative approach to the detection and treatment of neoplastic diseases, nanoparticles are an effective system for selectively reaching selected, neoplastic cells, excluding healthy ones. However, the full success of this type of diagnostics and therapy depends on many factors, such as: precise knowledge of the size and size distribution of nanoparticles, the strength of their interactions as well as the interaction with the environment of the human body. Advanced nanoscale metrology is therefore necessary at every stage, both in the synthesis and modification of the surface of the materials used. The conducted works include the production of nanoparticles and, most importantly, their modification, by introducing structural fragments onto the surface, allowing for:
- increasing the tolerance to the presence of nanoparticles in the body
- diagnosis at very low concentrations, which allows the detection of small areas of lesions
- therapeutic action consisting in the release of the drug directly into the neoplastic cells, thus minimizing the side effects of the therapy.
The Atomic Force Microscope (AFM), widely used in the project, is one of the basic devices for measuring the size of nano-objects and the only one that can measure forces at the nanoscale. Accurate force measurement is particularly important in understanding adhesive interactions, and their complexity in various environments requires additional detailed analysis.
As part of the presented project, work is also carried out on the modification of ceramic surfaces to increase their biocompatibility. The area of application of these works is joint endoprosthesis.
The team implementing the project:
prof. dr hab. Jarosław Grobelny
dr hab. Grzegorz Celichowski, prof. UŁ