We are excited to share a new collaborative study published in Chemical Communications, exploring how magnetic nanodiscs (MNDs) can be engineered as remotely controlled platforms for viral-vector delivery.
In the study, MNDs were functionalized with a thermoresponsive P(NIPAM-co-DMAEMA) coating that enables adenoviruses to bind electrostatically to the nanodiscs. Upon magnetic stimulation, localized magnetothermal effects alter the properties of the polymer coating and promote viral release — providing a proof of concept for remote control of viral release.
This work brings together expertise in magnetic nanomaterials, smart polymer coatings, viral vectors, bioengineering and electromagnetic stimulation across several institutions — a great example of the interdisciplinary collaboration fostered through our EIC Pathfinder BRAINSTORM project (GA 101099355).
Find the original article here: Micaela A. Macchione, P. Rafael Donnarumma, Firas Hamdan, Ivan Budić, Eduart Gutiérrez-Pineda, Elif Kocar, Tomislav Marković, Vincenzo Cerullo, Danijela Gregurec, Sergio E. Moya; P(NIPAM-co-DMAEMA) hydrogel engineering of magnetic nanodiscs for smart delivery of viral vectors under magnetic stimulation. Chem. Commun. 2026; https://doi.org/10.1039/d6cc04390a