EVO-NANO is organised around two main research hubs: in silico computational modelling (PFNS, UB, UWE and AAU) and in vitro and in vivo experimental work (IMDEA, VHIR and PCS). Partners with cross-disciplinary expertise collaborate across hubs to evolve, produce, and validate novel nanoparticle designs.

EVO-NANO uses the most recent advances in evolutionary algorithms to explore a wide range of nanoparticle designs, considering the effect of different shapes, sizes, coatings and charges on their ability to reach and penetrate tumours. Our algorithms, jointly developed by PFNS, UB and UWE, require many simulations with many millions of individual nanoparticles and cells to explore the huge design space and find the optimal nanoparticle design. To achieve this, we use the expertise in high performance computing at AAU . Based on results from simulation, PCS will develop customised functional NPs using their interdisciplinary expertise in the fields of chemistry, nanotechnology, and biotechnology. Validation of the evolved anti-cancer nanoparticles will be done both in vitro thanks to IMDEA’s tumour-on-a-chip micro-fluidic system mimicing major physiological barriers for NP tumour delivery (NP transport and extravasation, tissue penetration and selective cellular uptake), and VHIR’s expertise in  targeted drug delivery in vivo towards preclinical translation.