Summary
- Profile Type
- Research & Development Request
- POD Reference
- RDRTR20241014004
- Term of Validity
- 14 October 2024 - 14 October 2025
- Company's Country
- Turkey
- Type of partnership
- Research and development cooperation agreement
- Targeted Countries
- Italy
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General information
- Short Summary
- The Bioengineering Department at Yıldız Technical University is part of the Faculty of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering. Since its inception, the department has been dedicated to providing cutting-edge education and research in the interdisciplinary fields of biology, chemistry, and engineering.
- Full Description
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We are proposing a collaborative research project focused on developing a novel therapeutic approach for Alzheimer’s disease using an advanced drug delivery system. The primary aim of the project is to create a curcumin-loaded, aptamer-targeted exosomal carrier that can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and deliver the therapeutic agent directly to the affected cells. This strategy is designed to enhance the bioavailability and efficacy of curcumin while minimizing off-target effects.
Objectives of the Project:
1. Design and Optimization of Exosomal Drug Carriers: To develop biocompatible and efficient exosomal carriers capable of crossing the BBB.
2. Targeting Alzheimer's Disease Cells: Using aptamer technology to ensure precise delivery to Alzheimer’s disease sites, increasing the therapeutic potential of curcumin.
3. Preclinical Testing and Validation: Evaluating the efficacy and safety of the system through in vitro and in vivo models to demonstrate its potential as a viable treatment strategy. - Technical Specification or Expertise Sought
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Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia worldwide, currently affecting approximately 55 million people. With the aging global population, this number is projected to reach 139 million by 2050. One of the major challenges in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease is ensuring that therapeutic agents can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) effectively.
Our proposed solution addresses this issue through the development of a curcumin-loaded, aptamer-targeted exosomal drug delivery system. Exosomes stand out due to their biocompatibility, low toxicity, and inherent ability to traverse the BBB, making them ideal candidates for targeted drug delivery to the brain. The system we have designed offers several key advantages:
1. Enhanced Target Specificity: By utilizing aptamer-targeting, the system ensures that curcumin is delivered specifically to Alzheimer-affected cells, thereby increasing therapeutic efficiency while minimizing off-target effects.
2. Improved Bioavailability: Curcumin, known for its neuroprotective properties, often suffers from poor bioavailability. Encapsulating it in exosomes not only enhances its stability but also ensures that a higher concentration reaches the brain, potentially amplifying its therapeutic impact.
3. Crossing the Blood-Brain Barrier: Unlike many conventional drug delivery systems, exosomes possess natural properties that facilitate crossing the BBB, overcoming one of the biggest obstacles in the effective treatment of neurological diseases.
4. Novel Treatment Strategy: This exosome-based system presents a new treatment paradigm for Alzheimer’s by simultaneously addressing the root causes of the disease and offering cellular-level protection. - Stage of Development
- Concept stage
- Sustainable Development Goals
- Not relevant
- IPR status
- No IPR applied
Partner Sought
- Expected Role of a Partner
-
For this partnership, Yıldız Technical University’s Bioengineering Department seeks to establish a mutually beneficial collaboration that leverages the unique strengths and resources of both teams. Specifically, we expect:
1. Active Participation in Specific Project Phases: We aim for our international partners to take the lead or provide support in particular phases of the project, where their expertise can add substantial value.
2. Laboratory and Equipment Support: Given the advanced technological requirements of bioengineering research, we look forward to access to laboratory facilities and specialized equipment that may not be available locally.
3. Efficient Project Execution: A primary goal of the collaboration is to ensure the project progresses efficiently, with timely communication and coordinated efforts to achieve the defined milestones within the projected timeline. - Type and Size of Partner
- University
- Type of partnership
- Research and development cooperation agreement
Call details
- Framework program
- Access to finance
- Call title and identifier
-
Italian The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI) Bilateral Cooperation Call
- Coordinator required
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No
- Deadline for EoI
- Deadline of the call
- Access to finance
Dissemination
- Technology keywords
- 06001012 - Medical Research
- Market keywords
- 05007007 - Other medical/health related (not elsewhere classified)
- Targeted countries
- Italy