Reduction on nanoparticle toxicity through plymeric shell coating

Nanotechnology developments have advanced rapidly in the last ten years. Nanoparticles, key components of nanotechnology, are being incorporated in electronic, computer, and medical devices. Concerns of their toxicity is becoming a real issue as recent studies have shown that their size, shape, and surface chemistry may elicit unique biological response. Companies, such as Cytodiagnostics, are develop nanotechnology products would like to develop solutions to the toxicity problem of nanoparticles. Here, in collaboration with the Chan lab at the University of Toronto, our sponsoring company Cytodiagnostics, aim to develop a novel coating on nanoparticles to reduce toxicity. Specifically, we will develop a polymeric shell on the surface of the nanoparticles. This polymeric will reduce the surface interaction of nanoparticles with biological targets and prevent the dissolution of the nanoparticle in harsh biological and environmental conditions. To validate the safety of these polymer-modified nanoparticles, we will examine the toxicity using cell culture and animal models that have been established by the Chan lab for nanotoxicology analysis. Outcome of this collaboration will be a universal coating that mitigates nanoparticle toxicity.