For many years gene therapy is a promising concept for treating acquired and inherited diseases. In its simplest form a missing or additional gene is ferried into the cell nucleus by a vector. This gene is subsequently expressed by the cell to produce the protein that is needed for the therapeutic effect.
Viruses are the most effective transfection agents but some recent clinical trials have shown the dangers associated with their use. Cationic surfactants may prove to be good and safe alternatives for viruses and various examples have already been reported. These surfactants form a so-called lipoplex with DNA that can be taken up by the cell via endocytosis and be delivered into the nucleus so that it can be transcribed and translated (see picture below)
The focus of our research is to synthesize (bio-inspired) cationic surfactants with special attributes and to test their properties. The ultimate goal of our research is to design vectors that target diseases like cystic fibrosis and human bladder carcinoma. Our partner in this project is the Erasmus Medical Center in Rotterdam.
Two student projects are available:
Nolte group for physical-organic and supramolecular chemistry
