NANODIARA

Development of novel nanotechnology based diagnostic systems for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Based on the clinical unmet needs and recent research in biomarkers on Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Osteoarthritis (OA) the main objective of the project is to develop a nanotechnology based novel diagnostic tool for easy and early detection of biomarkers in inflammatory diseases especially RA and OA by using modified superparamagnetic nanoparticles (SPION) for (A) bioassay (ex-vivo application) and (B) MRI (in-vivo detection). A new technology based on multiple functionalized single nanoparticles specifically entering/attaching to cells, to enzymes in serous fluids or organelles in living cells will be used to detect, separate and identify low abundance biomarkers. Newly identified biomarkers will be used to decorate SPION with binding moieties which are specific to the biomarker(s) and can be used diagnostically such as in contrast agents (MRI). A sensitive micro-immunoassay will be developed for special use of these particles in biochemical tests for arthritis. This project is driven by the high clinical need to identify early arthritis and then segment RA and OA patients into progressors/responders or non-progressors/-responders to various treatment options. Inflammatory disorders like RA inducing the destruction of cartilage in ≈ 1% of the population which is accompanied by significant pain, morbidity and mortality leads to reduced capacity to work. OA, a degenerative arthritis is the leading cause of disability among the elderly population. As there is no cure for RA and finally the replacement of e.g. the knee in OA, early diagnostic tools for the detection of the disease progression and the ability to evaluate the efficacy of therapeutic interventions are necessary u.a. for drug development. Existing diagnostic methods often do not permit an early definite diagnosis, so new nanoparticle based diagnostic techniques targeting to the detection of molecular events (based on MRI) with higher sensitivity/specificity will be developed to satisfy the urgent need.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

The detection of arthritis currently relies on the identification of structural damages. A European project is measuring disease progression rather than its outcome.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are both inflammatory disorders that lead to the progressive deterioration of joint function. For treatment to be effective, it is of paramount importance to detect the onset of these diseases early and monitor their progression over time. However, current methods lack the sensitivity and specificity required to detect the early inflammatory events of arthritis.

Seeking to address this, the EU-funded NANODIARA project aims to develop a novel technology capable of detecting the early molecular processes that cause the onset and progression of arthritis. This technology is based on the use of functionalised nanoparticles for imaging the inflammatory events in the musculoskeletal system. Standard operating procedures have been formulated for the development of nanoparticles and the characterisation of their interaction with living cells.

Work towards the identification of novel disease biomarkers will be used to coat superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) with binding moieties targeted to specific cells. The plan is to use these nanoparticles to detect and identify low-abundance biomarkers associated with arthritis. So far, SPIONs coated with amino-polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) have been used to detect macrophages in the joint by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) research after treatment with dexamethasone.

Toxicology studies are being given particular attention as they will form the basis for the clinical application and commercial exploitation of these nanoparticle formulations. For this purpose, researchers have tested SPIONs on the viability and functionality of various cell types, including immune cells. Investigation of the biodistribution of these particles has not revealed any significant side-effects following their in vivo administration.

Additionally, the consortium is developing sensitive diagnostic assays for blood and urine based on the expression of novel biomarkers. When combined with the targeted nanoparticle technology, the NANODIARA proposed approach promises a sensitive method for the diagnosis and monitoring of arthritis-related disorders.