nanoTRiCKS Project

nanoTRiCKS – Tailor-made biopolymeric nanotraps for cytokine storm suppression

nanoTRiCKS aims at developing biopolymeric molecularly imprinted nanoparticles capable of selectively trapping cytokines in biological fluids.
Unlike conventional nanoMIPs made from synthetic acrylamide-based monomers, nanoTRiCKS utilizes natural, biocompatible proteins—such as silk fibroin, gelatin, and collagen—as its building blocks.

Key info

• Funding Scheme: PRIN 2022 – Bando PNRR
• Project ID: 20228AYRJE
• Duration: 24 months
• Research Units:
• Coordinating institutions: University of Verona (UNIVR) & University of Trento (UNITN)

Scientific Concept

Cytokine storm syndromes (CSS) are life-threatening inflammatory conditions characterized by excessive levels of circulating cytokines and immune cell hyperactivation. They occur in numerous diseases, including viral infections, sepsis and autoimmune disorders, and are a major driver of acute clinical deterioration.

nanoTRiCKS introduces a new strategy: the development of bioMIPs capable of selectively trapping cytokines directly in biological fluids.

Unlike conventional nanoMIPs made from synthetic acrylamide-based monomers, nanoTRiCKS uses natural, biocompatible proteins—silk fibroin, gelatin, collagen—as building blocks. These materials support molecular imprinting while ensuring biodegradability, reduced toxicity and compatibility with clinical translation.

The project brings together complementary expertise in biomaterials, molecular imprinting, applied mathematics, inflammation biology and microfluidics.

Team

nanoTRiCKS brings together two complementary, gender-balanced research units with strong track records in biomaterials, molecular imprinting and tissue engineering.

University of Verona (UNIVR)

• Principal Investigator: Prof. Alessandra Maria Bossi
• Expertise: molecular imprinting of polymers, nanoMIPs for proteins and peptides, analytical chemistry and biosensing.
• Host: Department of Biotechnology

University of Trento (UNITN)

• Associated PI: Prof. Devid Maniglio
• Expertise: natural biomaterials, scaffold fabrication and functionalization, tissue engineering, biofabrication technologies.
• Host: BIOtech Research Center, Department of Industrial Engineering.

PIANO NAZIONALE DI RIPRESA E RESILIENZA PNRR

Missione 4 “Istruzione e Ricerca” – Componente C2 – Investimento 1.1

“Fondo per il Programma Nazionale di Ricerca e progetti di Rilevante Interesse Nazionale (PRIN)”