Design and Functionalization of Graphene Oxide Nanoplatforms for Targeted Neurotrophic Delivery and Theranostic Applications

Abstract

This traineeship focuses on the design, synthesis, and functionalization of graphene oxide-based nanoplatforms for theranostic applications, with an emphasis on exploiting the nanozyme properties of functionalized graphene oxide. The project involves loading the nanoplatforms with neurotrophic factors, both in their native and fluorescently labeled forms. These nanoplatforms will be engineered to enhance therapeutic delivery and enable precise diagnostic imaging, leveraging the catalytic properties of graphene oxide for targeted drug delivery and real-time monitoring. Various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques, including UV-Vis, fluorescence, FTIR, and AFM, will be employed to characterize the nanoplatforms and their interactions at the molecular and cellular levels.

Keywords
atomic force microscopy
Bioengineering
graphene
nanomaterials
Spectroscopy
ERC sector(s)
PE Physical Sciences and Engineering
LS Life Sciences
Fields of study
Name supervisor
Cristina Satriano
E-mail
cristina.satriano@unict.it
Name of Department/Faculty/School
Chemical Sciences
Name of the host University
University of Catania (UNICT)
EUNICE partner e-mail of destination Research
eunice@unict.it
Country
Italy
Thesis level
Master
Minimal language knowledge requisite
English B2
Thesis mode
On-site
Start date
Length of the research internship
6 months
Financial support available (other than E+)
No