MacroMet project aims to develop novel and innovative solutions for synthesis of hybrid nanostructured materials of natural ionizable macromolecules (NAT) and metal ions (Me) and/or metal nanoparticles (MNP) by: (1) the combination of different NAT with different functional groups [such as polysaccharides (e.g. chondroitin sulfate, alginate, chitosan or others) or proteins (e.g. zein)], with Me (e.g. Ag, Au, Cu, Fe, Mg or others) forming nanostructured NAT/Me complexes and (2) their further usage to obtain hybrid nano/microparticles which further act as nano/micro-reactors for in-situ MNP synthesis, NAT acting both as reducing and stabilizing materials. Self-assembled NAT/Me hybrids used as nanoreactors for MNP represent a promising approach for performing liquid phase reactions using water as the bulk solvent, obtaining non-aggregated MNP inside the preorganized macromolecular matrix as a chemical and spatial nanocage for their construction. The complex advanced materials are expected to find applications in health-related issues as are or loaded in (hydro)gels or in calcium carbonate matrixes. The proposed materials give the opportunity to simultaneously combine different types of components and address different health/technology issues (bioimaging, antimicrobial, nutritional, catalysis).
PROJECT AIMS strongly at developing understanding, know-how, and also demonstrating proof of concepts in multifunctional nanostructures formation and design principles in polysaccharide-based hybrid soft/hard matter nanosystems, having complex internal structure and multicomponent composition. The highly standing goals of the project are the design, structural evaluation of the particular formed structures and their physicochemical and environmental responsive properties, with a view toward applications in the fields of medicine (carriers, containers), bioimaging and theranostics. |
