Project R-4636

Design and Synthesis of Multifunctional PPV-Based Nanoparticles for Multiple Sclerosis Research (Research)

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease in which the immune system damages the central nervous system by attacking the myelin sheets. In 85% of the cases the disease has a pattern of symptom aggregation alternating with remission. Although lots of research has been conducted, the cause is still not known. This is partly due to the presence of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which functions as a neuroprotective shield. Depending on the state of the disease, the BBB is opened or closed. This research aims to provide a method to visualize disease activity in the central nervous system when the BBB is closed. This will be accomplished by synthesis of functionalized nanoparticles (NPs), built up of novel multifunctional polymers like poly(p-phenylene vinylene). NP synthesis, material development and biomedical application is targeted with a multi-disciplinary approach. The NPs are characterized by dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, etc. After characterization, in vitro studies are conducted to test the cytotoxicity, immunogenicity and cellular uptake of the particles. Based on these results, polymer blends are chosen to conduct in vivo animal studies to check the plasma stability, biodistribution and MS brain activity. This research will result in a better understanding of the use of nanoparticles in the human body, more specifically the brain, and provide new insight into MS progression.

01 October 2013 - 30 December 2014