Ricerc@Sapienza

The goal of this project is to develop part of the activities included in the proposal ARIBA (Advanced Responsive Interfaces for Biological Applications) submitted under the H2020-MSCA-ITN scheme in 2014. The original proposal was aimed at developing a training network across Europe to research responsive interfaces for biomaterial and biotechnology related applications, with potential application areas in biomolecule encapsulation and release, anti-biofouling surfaces, 3D cell culture, and pharmaceutical testing. In particular, we will focus on one of the research goals of ARIBA, which was to design and create novel functionalized material interfaces that can be controlled by external stimuli so to induce a biological response defined in space and time. The specific areas that will be researched are the grafting of novel responsive polymer brushes to create responsive patterns and gradients, which can (i) rapidly respond, (ii) be multi-responsive, and (iii) preferably be controlled by externally applied electromagnetic fields. Particular focus will be on biointerfaces which can be externally controlled to change the release of drugs or cell adhesion.

The project brings together expertise from highly experienced researchers at Sapienza University and international collaborators in synthesis and characterization of polymer brushes for biological applications (e.g. membrane protein arrays and sensors), processing of polymer materials and polymer-matrix composites with multifunctional properties. Our ultimate goal is to demonstrate how these versatile interfaces engineered to include responsive functions can be used to control the integration of a material with biomolecules in space and time. The project includes training for two doctoral students who will experience the complementarity of several disciplines, from biointerface science to composite materials processing, and will participate in research activities at international partners.