BioInterfaces
Team leader BioInterfaces: Prof. Dr. Oya Tagit
Nanoparticles precisely engineered at the nanoscale have emerged as novel therapeutic and diagnostic agents due to their unique physicochemical properties (e.g. optical, magnetic, electronic, etc.) that are dictated by their size, shape, composition, surface; and can be customized for the desired biological targets and functions. With applications ranging from imaging and detection probes to nanocarriers for (bio)therapeutics delivery, engineered nanoparticles can give unprecedented information on the chemical and physical processes that take place in biological systems, and enable targeted therapeutic interventions.
In the group of BioInterfaces, we aim to address currently unmet biomedical needs in the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of disease with engineered nanoparticles tailored for the desired biological targets and functions. We utilize an interdisciplinary approach at the interface between materials chemistry, nanotechnology, and biology for bench-to-bedside development of optical and magnetic detection probes, (pre-)clinical imaging agents, and drug delivery systems based on inorganic and polymeric nanoparticles. We study the diagnostic and therapeutic performance of these nanoparticles in vitro and in vivo using advanced imaging and cell culture techniques and disease models.
M-SLS-MSc 0223 Molecular and Translational Imaging
M-SLS-F Biomarker
01 Mar 2023: A heartfelt welcome to our new member Anamarija! She is a PhD candidate funded by SNI.
15 Feb 2023: A heartfelt welcome to Evangelos! He will be developing strategies to eliminate antibiotic-resistant infections.
01 Feb 2023: A short piece by Prof.Dr. Tagit on theranostic nanoparticles is published online: https://www.powerofparticles.com/multitasking-nanoparticles-simultaneous-therapy-and-monitoring
Happy holidays!
01.11.2022: Dr. Bhaskar Gurram joins the BioInterfaces Group as a postdoc. A heartfelt welcome to Bhaskar!
14.09.2022: Prof.Dr. Tagit gives an invited talk at the Biointerfaces International Conference in Zurich
01.09.2022: Our PhD project on ‹Multi-compartment nanofactories for on-site and on-demand drug synthesis and delivery› is funded by the Swiss Nanoscience Institute!
13.08.2022: A new paper on Translating the Manufacture of Immunotherapeutic PLGA Nanoparticles from Lab to Industrial Scale: Process Transfer and In Vitro Testing published in Pharmaceutics. Many congratulations to Camilla! https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics14081690
01.08.2022: Prof.Dr. Tagit joins the Executive Committee of the Swiss Nanoscience Institute,
01.04.2022: FHNW welcomes the BioInterfaces Group!
In the group of BioInterfaces, we aim to address currently unmet biomedical needs in the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of disease with engineered nanoparticles tailored for the desired biological targets and functions. We utilize an interdisciplinary approach at the interface between materials chemistry, nanotechnology, and biology for bench-to-bedside development of optical and magnetic detection probes, (pre-)clinical imaging agents, and drug delivery systems based on inorganic and polymeric nanoparticles. We study the diagnostic and therapeutic performance of these nanoparticles in vitro and in vivo using advanced imaging and cell culture techniques and disease models.
Projects & News
Multi-compartment nanofactories for on-site and on demand drug synthesis and delivery
We develop compartmentalized vesicles with internal compartments that can be triggered independently and selectively to release their cargo. Libraries of novel stimuli-responsive block co-polymers are prepared for vesicle formation, and release is actuated by external stimulus such as light, magnetic field, etc.
Nanocarriers for mRNA therapeutics
Combining the stability of polymers with transfection efficiency of lipids, we developed polymer-lipid hybrid nanoparticles, which can be stored as lyophilized powder and display long-term storage stability also in suspension. Lyophilization does not impair transfection efficiency.
Nanomedicine and theranostics
Diverse nanoparticle formulations based on polymers, lipids, and combinations thereof, loaded with (bio)therapeutics such as antimicrobial peptides, small molecule drugs, and nucleic acids are developed to combat infectious diseases and cancer. We further develop inorganic nanoparticles (metal and semiconductor) and drug-conjugated luminescent probes with cleavable linkers for simultaneous therapy and…
Tailor-made nanoparticles
Using top-down and bottom-up synthesis, encapsulation, surface engineering, and bioconjugation approaches, we develop nanoparticles with precisely defined and controlled size, morphology, composition, and surface functionality, and tailor them for the desired biological targets and functions.