Safe and targeted transport of new therapeutics In the Nano-Argovia project SmartCoat, research- into cancer cells ers are using SmartCoats™ (shown in green in As part of the Nano-Argovia project SmartCoat, researchers have the image on the right) to transport RNA-based drugs precisely and safely into cancer cells developed an innovative method for transporting RNA-based (shown with a blue-colored cell nucleus and red drugs precisely and safely into tumor tissue. This involves the actin in the cytoplasm in the image on the left). use of novel nanoparticles called SmartCoats™, which protec- The RNA fragments introduced into the tumor cells are intended to switch-off cancer-causing tively coat short RNA sequences known as small interfering genes known as oncogenes, thereby reducing tu- RNA (siRNA) and introduce them directly into cancer cells. mor growth. (Image: FHNW Muttenz) The SmartCoats protect the siRNA from enzymatic degra- dation during transport and prevent unwanted reactions with immune cells. In tumor tissue, the SmartCoats then bind to “The ongoing Nano-Argovia specific receptors on the surface of cancer cells, allowing the project with FHNW and PSI is a SmartCoat-siRNA complexes to be taken up into the cells. Once cornerstone of our innovation there, the SmartCoat detaches from the siRNA, which can then at Palto Therapeutics.” “knock down” cancer-causing genes known as oncogenes and Dr. William L. Wishart, thereby reduce tumor growth. Palto Therapeutics AG In the second year of the project, the team used computer modelling to further optimize the SmartCoat nanoparticles. The structure of the particles is now more stable, their siRNA binding is stronger, and their uptake by cancer cells is better. Further studies can now follow under the leadership of Palto Therapeutics AG with a view to optimizing the effect of the particles on tumor growth, enabling precise and personalized treatment of life-threatening diseases such as cancer. Collaboration between: FHNW School of Life Sciences // Paul Scherrer Institute PSI // Palto Therapeutics AG (Allschwil, BL) Project description: https://bit.ly/4bR9s1Z 40 SNI Annual Report 2024