PYCA Prize awarded to Carina Crucho from the FCT NOVA Department of Chemistry

The Portuguese Young Chemists Award (PYCA), awarded with the Youth Group Chemicals (GQJ) of the Portuguese Chemical Society (SPQ), the research work of Carina Crucho, PhD student at Chemistry FCT NOVA. The doctoral thesis of Carina Crucho, "Synthesis of Polymeric Nanoparticles for delivery biomedical applications", was directed by Teresa Barros, Associate Professor at the FCT NOVA Chemistry Department. The main objective of the project was the study and application of nanomaterials in new therapeutic systems in the new design of polymeric nanoparticles through its structure for changing the distribution of in vivo drugs, aiming a more selective distribution of the same and thus an increased therapeutic index.

"During the doctoral I synthetize nanoparticles with sucrose units, the sugar that we usually put on the coffee!" says Carina Crucho. The study results show that the synthesized polymer conjugates can be used successfully in the preparation of polymeric nanoparticles with physicochemical characteristics adjustable. Also, they provide new information on the materials used and the methods applied. "It is hoped that this work will be useful for the development of new polymeric nanoparticles to sucrose base for biomedical applications, specifically for targeted placement system drugs" explains Carina Crucho.

The award, sponsored by Elsevier, aims to promote the excellence of chemistry developed by young researchers, with special focus on the impact of Science in Society. The study results show that the synthesized polymer conjugates can be used successfully in the preparation of polymeric nanoparticles with physicochemical characteristics adjustable. "I was pleased to see my work recognized, gave me confidence and enthusiasm needed to continue to look for new challenges in the scientific and professional field," says Carina Crucho.

To apply for PYCA beyond the CV and the thesis summary, you need to write an article in the form of popular science on the subject of the thesis, which will be published next chemical bulletin SPQ.