The project is interdisciplinary. It is related with a number of areas in polymer science, biochemistry and biophysics. In accordance to its interdisciplinary character and specificity, the research team is composed of scientists with complementary knowledge and experience from leading in their areas, internationally recognized research organizations – the Institute of Polymers, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and Department of Biochemistry, Biological Faculty of Sofia University. The aim of the project is development of nano-sized systems that are able to fully preserve the native functional state of biological molecules during the process of their delivery and release in a desired site in living organisms.
The aim of the project will be achieved by synthesizing novel copolymers with various topology, chain architecture, and composition that are able to form complexes with biological molecules. Preparation of polymeric nanocapsules and encapsulation of biological molecules will be performed by employing original synthetic strategies, developed in the Institute of Polymers. During the encapsulation step, the polymeric shell that is formed on the surface of the complex will be functionalized and decorated by using different approaches of polymer chemistry by which (a) colloid and steric stability, (b) targeting to specific cells, and (c) effective interactions with cell membranes will be achieved. The implementation of the research program will bring to accumulation of knowledge as well as experimental data and findings, which are applicable for solving health problems with significant social importance. Whereas the research planned in the project is highly fundamental, an essential part of it has an innovative character and potential and an effective transfer of knowledge and technologies to interested industrial partners might be expected. The implementation of the project will contribute to improvement of the skills and qualification of the team members and enhancement of competitiveness of the partnering organizations.