1. Project objectives

The main objective of this proposal is related to the preparation of peptides-functionalized nano/microparticles (N/MPs), based on carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), with dual active targeting for the treatment of pulmonary infections. Chitosan (CS), a linear polysaccharide of randomly distributed N-acetyl glucosamine and glucosamine units, exhibits minimal foreign body reaction, controllable mechanical/biodegradation properties, biocompatibility, hydrophilicity, non-toxicity, nonantigenicity, and anti-microbial activity as well as bio-adherence and cell affinity. In addition, PVA is a non-toxic synthetic copolymer with good elasticity. Moreover, the addition of PVA aims to control the hydrophilicity of the system in order to avoid the use of additional crosslinker (a common option to control the network properties through crosslinking density). The mechanical properties brought by the PVA and the mucoadhesive properties of the CS represent a viable combination for the preparation of porous N/MPs.

2. Project activities

A1: Synthesis and characterization of the precursors for the further preparation of N/MPs

A2: Design and synthesis of peptides-functionalized nano/microparticles (2PEP-N/MPs)

A3: Characterization and optimization of peptides-functionalized nano/microparticles (2PEP-N/MPs)

A4: Evaluation of the biomaterial properties of the 2PEP-N/MPs

A5: In vitro assessment of the 2PEP-N/MPs

A6: In vitro evaluation of apoptosis and anti-inflammatory potential of 2PEP-N / MPs and preliminary in vivo tests.