Grant: Alliance Grants

Nanoparticles are very small structures that can be designed to carry molecules throughout the body and transport them into our cells. For example, many of the recently developed COVID-19 vaccines employed nanoparticles to protect and deliver mRNA. However, many challenges are faced in the process of nanoparticles being able to deliver fragile cargo to our cells and to release it at the right time and location in the cell. The science underlying these challenges and potential solutions still requires substantial investment and development. Nanoparticles composed of long chain-like molecules called polymers hold immense promise in addressing the challenges of cargo delivery as their structures can be readily engineered to tune their properties and function. This collaborative project aims to investigate new smart nanoparticles that can more effectively deliver biological therapeutics such as the nucleic acids to their site of action, by releasing active components in multiple stages. Our team integrates expertise in polymers from Western University, nanoparticle assembly from the University of Melbourne (Australia) and the biology of nanoparticle delivery from Monash University (Australia). Trainees will participate in exchanges between the different laboratories, thereby transferring world-leading expertise. In addition, the research will have major economic and commercial benefits in both Canada and Australia through the development of new nanoparticle technology that will generate industry investment and commercialization opportunities. Following the project, partnerships with government and industry will ensure that the research findings are fully explored, and commercial opportunities realized. This work is expected to have long-term impacts on improving treatment efficacy, preventing diseases and contributing to people living healthier and longer lives.