Magnetic nanoparticles functionalized with catechol, production and use thereof

Abstract

There are described magnetic nanoparticles the surface of which is functionalized with catechol and constructs comprising a plurality of said nanoparticles encapsulated in a biocompatible polymer matrix, wherein a molecule with therapeutic action is optionally dispersed, said polymer matrix optionally being in turn further functionalized; there are further described cells of the immune system incorporating said polymeric constructs giving rise to their engineering.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A construct comprising a plurality of magnetic nanoparticles consisting of nanometric magnetite particles whose surface is functionalized with catechol encapsulated in a biocompatible polymeric matrix wherein a molecule having therapeutic action is optionally dispersed. 
     
     
         3 . The construct according to  claim 2 , further comprising a plurality of gold nanorods. 
     
     
         4 . The construct according to  claim 2  wherein said biocompatible polymeric matrix consists of biodegradable copolymers. 
     
     
         5 . The construct according to  claim 4 , wherein said biodegradable copolymers are selected from: biodegradable nanomicelles, polyesters, polyurethanes, polycarbonates and poly(glutamic) acid, polyetheramine and polybenzylglutamate. 
     
     
         6 . The construct according to  claim 5 , wherein said biodegradable nanomicelles consist of poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid and polyethylene glycol carboxylate (PLGA-b-PEG-COOH), having formula (I) 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
         wherein m=[117-330]; n=[117-330]; p=[60-100]. 
       
     
     
         7 . The construct according to  claim 2 , wherein said molecules with therapeutic action are selected from: anticancer agents, peroxynitrite scavengers, superoxydismutase inhibitors, retinoids, cytokines, aspirin. 
     
     
         8 . The construct according to  claim 6 , wherein the end carboxyl group of the fragment PEG-COOH of the micelles is further functionalized with monoclonal antibodies, proteins, peptides or active molecules of interest for the specific recognition by the cellular over-expressions. 
     
     
         9 . The construct according to  claim 8 , wherein said antibodies are selected from: hEGR, hEGFR, IgG, moAb. 
     
     
         10 . A process for preparing the construct according to  claim 2 , wherein:
 an organic solution of polymer dissolved in a solvent, mixed with the suspension of nanoparticles coated with organic binder, both in the same solvent,   and   an aqueous solution of Na2HPO4 1 mM)   are mixed in a constant flow in a mixing cell with batch or continuous synthesis.   
     
     
         11 . A process for preparing the construct according to  claim 10 , wherein the end carboxyl group of the fragment PEG-COOH is activated so as to promote the subsequent attack by esterification of amino end groups. 
     
     
         12 - 13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . Use of the construct of  claim 2  for hyperthermia treatments. 
     
     
         15 . Use of a human immune system cell modified to contain the construct of  claim 2  for the diagnostic of cancer, degenerative, central nervous system, cerebral cardiovascular diseases, infectious diseases, transplants, autoimmune diseases and also for the treatment of tumors, cerebral cardiovascular diseases, degenerative diseases (e.g. Alzheimer's), infectious diseases, transplants, liver cirrhosis and other diseases characterized by fibrogenesis, diseases characterized by recurrent fetal loss, intrauterine fetal death, neonatal diseases, congenital and acquired coagulation disorders, genetic disorders, autoimmune diseases and, finally, for pain relieving. 
     
     
         16 . Use of the construct of  claim 2  as an MRI imaging means. 
     
     
         17 . Use of the construct according to  claim 3  for the diagnosis and treatment of tumor diseases.