Researchers associated with this proposal that constituted the NIST-TeraNano, intend to deepen their existing interactions in the search for knowledge in Theranostics and Nanobiotechnological applications to human, animal and plant health by promoting greater integration between the three major fields of knowledge; biology, chemistry and physics. This group determined as main targets for the continuity of integrated actions the various problems associated with the diagnosis and control of infectious and chronic degenerative human diseases, although the focus of activity will also cover animal and plant diseases using common platforms developed by the group. The theranostics vision integrates various technologies, disciplines, processes and materials aimed tocombine diagnosis and therapy as a unified tool in disease control.
There are two main objectives of NIST-TeraNano: discovery of biological targets and biomarkers, and development of new nanobiotechnological platforms with therapeutic and diagnostic applications.
For the discovery of new biological targets, in addition to conventional molecular biology techniques, we propose to further explore the combinatorial technologies based on Phage Display (combinatorial libraries of Fab and scFv monoclonal antibodies, and expression of recombinant peptides) and Selex (DNA and RNA aptamers) and mass spectrometry (Proteomics, Glycomics, Lipidomics and Metabolomics), always searching for novel molecules that are more effective, specific and sensitive, which may be used for both diagnosis and therapeutic processes. Several nanotechnological platforms have been previously established by this Research Network, such as electrochemical, magnetic capturing, lateral-flow based immunosensors, microagglutination, new quantum dots as fluorescent probes and several spectroscopic methods (Raman, SPR, NIR), which will be integrated as new tools with microfluidics technology in order to miniaturize the biosensors. Therefore, we will continue to integrate these different types of platforms as well as the new diagnostic markers with the aim of improving the early detection of various diseases.
The Institute's lines of action are:
· Strengthen the infrastructure necessary for the development of nanotechnology platforms throughout the country, as this proposal includes 11 Federal and one State institutions from nine Brazilian States;
· Train human resources with high-level scientific and technological vision;
· Encourage the inclusion of researchers in enterprises and Institutes of Science and Technology (ISTs);
· Inducing structures of R, D & I in business and support the incubated companies (startups) associated with this NIST;
· Promote the expansion and qualification of professionals and professors involved in the research, development and innovation activities in the ISTs;
· Develop research priorities at the international level with focus on infectious and chronic degenerative diseases in human health;
· Develop new bioactive molecules and biopharmaceuticals with therapeutic, vaccinal, and diagnostic purposes;
· Collaborate in reducing public health problems through innovations in diagnostics and therapies for the control of infectious and chronic degenerative diseases; and
· Contribute to a better formulation of public health policies.
The new targets and biological sensors can be incorporated into large-scale laboratory tests or individual field tests, in addition to comply with the Brazilian government demand for rapid detection of major human diseases, and control the major animal diseases with export purposes.
The NIST-TeraNano will continue to promote the interface between major knowledge areas: biology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, medicine, veterinary and agronomy to resolve serious problems with high impact to the society, which shall put Brazil at the forefront of generation of knowledge, technology and innovation in diagnostics and therapy of infectious and chronic degenerative diseases.
