Multi-functional microgels targeted towards inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (C03)

• Subject Area: Structural Biology
• Term: from 2012 to 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 191948804

In this project, we will develop multifunctional microgels capable of scavenging inflammatory mediators as well as targeting, imaging, and protecting inflamed intestinal tissue. Functionalization of microgel with galectins and adhesion peptides will target the inflamed tissue thereby building a protective microgel layer to prevent secondary bacterial infection. Microgels with scavenging and imaging units will capture the inflammation ligand TNFα and localize at the sites of inflammation. The ultimate goal is to generate therapeutic, diagnostic, and theranostic microgels.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 985: Functional Microgels and Microgel Systems
• Applicant Institution: Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Lothar Elling; Professor Dr. Alexander Kühne; Dr. Gernot Sellge, until 9/2010; Professor Dr. Pavel Strnad; Professor Dr. Christian Trautwein, until 2/2024