Polymer Institute
Topic
Synthesis of functional polymers for mRNA delivery into deep brain structures
PhD. program
Organic chemistry
Name of the supervisor
Mgr. Juraj Kronek, PhD.
Contact:
Receiving school
Faculty of Natural Sciences UK
Annotation
Polyplex nanoparticles based on cationic polymers represent an efficient tool for mRNA delivery into deep brain structure. Such therapeutic approach can be used for the treatment of various neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases, eventually for treatment of mental disorders. Typically, charged poly(amino acids) can be employed. Proposed PhD. topic is focused on the development of functional polymers consisted of poly(2-alkyl-2-oxazolines) and poly(2-isopropenyl-2-oxazoline) able to effectively encapsulate of negatively charged biomolecules. The principle of dual interactions lays on electrostatic interactions and supramolecular host-guest interactions. Experimental work will include synthesis of block copoly(2-oxazolines), modification of cyclodextrins, followed by thiol-ene „click“ reaction with thiolated cyclodextrin, quarternization of cyclodextrin units and polyelectrolyte complexation of prepared positively charged polymers with mRNA molecules. Next possibility is exploitation of the reactivity of 2-oxazoline groups for introduction of positively charged motifs.