Group of Nanomedicine and Nanotoxicology (GNano)

Coordinator: Prof. Dr. Valtencir Zucolotto

Secretariat office:
Simone Yamauti – gnanoifsc.usp.br
Phone:  +55 16 3373-8656

Site: www.nanomedicina.com.br

The Nanomedicine and Nanotoxicology group (GNano/USP) is focused on developing state-of-the-art science at the interface between Nanotechnology and Biotechnology through interdisciplinary research projects, in collaboration with national and international institutions and companies. Nanomedicine is a relevant, multidisciplinary scientific area, with important applications in Medicine and in Agribusiness. Our team is composed of chemists, physicists, engineers, biotechnologists, pharmacists and biologists, and is one of the pioneers in Brazil in the study and development of new nanomaterials for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer and Infectious Diseases. In the Industrial sector, we have developed projects in partnership with Agribusiness companies in the application of Nanotechnology for the controlled release of pesticides, micro/macronutrients, fertilizer, as well as in the development of smart sensors. These studies are always complemented by Nanotoxicology studies, seeking to assess the impact of the use of nanomaterials on human health and the environment, with a view to the Regulation and Registration of Nanoproducts. The group also provides on-demand analyses to companies, making its infrastructure/equipment available for analyzing materials for industries in the medical, pharmaceutical and agricultural sectors.

Areas of expertise: Synthesis and characterization of nanoparticles (metallic, polymeric and ceramic), nanorods and graphenes; Functionalization of nanomaterials (nanoparticles, graphenes, nanorods, nanotubes and nanofibers) with biomolecules of interest, including proteins, enzymes, antibodies and DNA, in the manufacture of nanobiocomposites; Processing and characterization of nanobiocomposites; Application of nanomaterials in therapy (drug delivery, hyper and photo-thermia) and in diagnosis; Skin permeation studies, nanoparticle size analysis, Fabrication of biosensors and sensors for cancer and tuberculosis detection and for agriculture applications; Manufacture of systems for controlled release of pesticides and fertilizers, Molecular and cellular biology related to in vitro toxicity studies of nanomaterials, among others.

For more information: gnano@ifsc.usp.br, www.nanomedicina.com.br