AppliCare

The aim of AppliCare is to develop a new therapeutic formulation based on inhalable and biodegradable calcium phosphate nanoparticles (NPs) functionalized with novel peptides (AMPs). Peptides (AMPs) will be identified in silico and evaluated in cytotoxicity with antimicrobial activity and inhibition of ribosome assembly. Subsequently, in vitro antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity and behavior of the selected AMPs towards clinical pathogens will be evaluated. Best-in-class AMPs will be used for CaP-NP functionalization and the in vitro antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of the formulations will be tested. The biodistribution and biocompatibility of the main formulation will be evaluated in healthy animals, as well as its efficacy in a selected animal model of respiratory infection.

Funding sources:

PRIN2020

Research Team:

The project is coordinated by Prof. Maurizio Sanguinetti of the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, while the head of the CNR Unit is Dr. Michele Iafisco (CNR-ISTEC). The CNR Unit includes Dr. Alberto Vitali scientific head of CNR-SCITEC, Dr. Daniele Cataluci scientific head of CNR-IRGB (Milan) and Dr. Stefania Olla scientific head of IRGB-CNR (Monserrato)