The goal of the ANR sponsored project STRIC-ON, (Stroke thrombolysis with r-tPA improved by cerium oxide nanoparticles), is to develop antioxidant nanoparticles of cerium oxide coated with innovative polymers and biomolecules for neuronal and vascular protection following stroke. The outcome of the project will be the knowledge of the potential for innovative nanoparticles to be therapeutic agents for stroke.

Within this project, SPECIFIC POLYMERS worked on the synthesis of model macromolecules and biocompatible (co)polymers combining anchoring groups, biocompatible polymeric chains and additional functionalities to allow subsequent coupling reaction. Indeed, to reach an optimal efficiency, nanoparticles should be coated to improve their biocompatibility, increase their cellular uptake, enhance their circulation or prevent their clearing through the kidneys. Coating might also be functionalized on their surface with specific moieties to enable the grafting of targeting molecules, such as peptides, antibodies or oligoanilines. The synthesis of various multi-functional polymers for encapsulating nanoparticles and conferring on them the appropriate set of above-mentioned properties was initiated during the ICONS project and will be continued within STRIC-ON.