Inflammatory diseases, for example those caused by infections, represent a major medical challenge worldwide. Many established therapeutic concepts are limited by restricted biocompatibility, low organ specificity, and relevant side effects. Against this background, there is a strong need for new pharmacological approaches that are both targeted and well tolerated.

The Collaborative Research Center CRC POLYTARGET pursues the long-term goal of developing cell type-specific, polymer-based nanoparticles as drug carriers that can selectively interfere with inflammatory processes. These nanoparticles are intended to act both directly against pathogens and to modulate harmful accompanying immune responses. By encapsulating novel active compounds in tissue-specific carrier systems, local as well as systemic inflammatory reactions can be addressed while protecting distant organs. In this way, POLYTARGET covers a broad spectrum of inflammatory diseases, including severe systemic conditions such as sepsis.

Subproject B04 contributes to this effort by providing a methodological approach at the nanoscale. Using tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS), surface effects, structural changes, and encapsulation processes in block copolymer nanostructures are investigated with high spatial resolution. The aim is to achieve a detailed understanding of the interactions between the polymer matrix, the active compound, and the surrounding environment, and to precisely track structural changes during formulation and application. This nanoscale characterization is a key prerequisite for the rational optimization of polymer-based nanoparticles as drug delivery systems.

Funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), project number 316213987.