KES4-1597
Adaptive Nanomedicine: Designing Smart Therapeutic Systems
Topic
S4. Colloids, Interfaces, and Molecular Assemblies for Functional Soft Materials
When and Where
Sep 29, 2026
15:50 - 16:15
Room 106
Session Chairs
Jang Hwan KIM
Presenter(s)
Katharina LANDFESTER (Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research)
Co-Author(s)
Abstract
Our mission is to engineer nanocarriers that dynamically interact with biological systems adapting in real time to improve targeting, control release, and optimize therapeutic performance. Our research integrates principles of chemistry, biology, and materials science to create adaptive nanocarriers capable of context-specific functionality. These systems respond to physiological changes such as enzymatic activity, pH value, and protein binding to fine-tune their biological identity and therapeutic actions. Key innovations include cleavable linkers, stimuli-responsive shells, and surface functionalization strategies that guide protein corona formation and immune interactions. We focus on adaptivity at the molecular and system levels: nanocarriers that switch between stealth and recognition states, release drugs in controlled cascades, and adjust surface interactions based on their microenvironment.
Three core subtopics define our approach:
By engineering nanocarriers that evolve with their environment, we lay the groundwork for precision medicine that is not only targeted but self-regulating and context-aware. Our long-term vision is to establish the design rules by which molecules give rise to life-inspired, adaptive systems, ultimately bridging the gap from synthetic nanocarriers to artificial cells with emergent functionality. These efforts redefine what nanomedicine can achieve: dynamic, intelligent, and tailored to real-world biological complexity.
Three core subtopics define our approach:
- Nanocarriers for Adaptive Nanomedicine: We have developed robust, multifunctional nanocapsules with controlled release mechanisms. Protein-based systems (e.g., albumin and immune-responsive capsules) enable intracellular delivery and improved immunogenicity. Hybrid nanogels and polymer–inorganic composites further broaden our material platform.
- Dynamic Biointerfaces: Through precise surface engineering and proteomics-guided analytics, we modulate interfacial phenomena such as corona formation and immune recognition. By treating the protein corona as a design feature rather than a limitation, we unlock new levels of biological specificity and stealth behavior.
- Sensing and Signal Responsiveness: Our stimuli-responsive carriers react to UV, NIR, or enzymatic triggers, enabling spatially and temporally controlled drug release. DNA-programmable nano-organelles and liposomal nanoreactors exemplify how nanosystems can act as adaptive immune modulators.
By engineering nanocarriers that evolve with their environment, we lay the groundwork for precision medicine that is not only targeted but self-regulating and context-aware. Our long-term vision is to establish the design rules by which molecules give rise to life-inspired, adaptive systems, ultimately bridging the gap from synthetic nanocarriers to artificial cells with emergent functionality. These efforts redefine what nanomedicine can achieve: dynamic, intelligent, and tailored to real-world biological complexity.
