"Even as a small child, I was fascinated by doing experiments. My mother and I visited open days at places like AkzoNobel," Donja van den Beld recounts.
In high school, chemistry and biology were her favourite subjects. A logical next step was her higher vocational education (hbo) study in Chemistry at Saxion University of Applied Sciences.
"That's a broad programme where you get acquainted with organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, and nanotechnology. During the minor in Nanotechnology, everything fell into place. That's what I wanted to pursue further."
Study in Medicinal Chemistry
After completing her higher vocational education, Donja van den Beld pursued a degree in Medicinal Chemistry at Radboud University Nijmegen. Her interest in 'doing experiments' was elevated to a scientific level there.
She conducts full-time independent research and supports a doctoral candidate in researching the development of nanoparticles that transport medications within the body.
"The focus of the research is on autoimmune diseases, particularly rheumatism, because current medications (rheumatism inhibitors) have many side effects and lower efficacy."
Harvesting Polypeptides
Donja van den Beld grows E. coli bacteria in the biological lab. "I harvest polypeptides from those bacteria," she outlines.
"Such a polypeptide is made up of amino acids, which are the building blocks that proteins also consist of. The polypeptide I am researching is a chain consisting of blocks of five amino acids with specific properties that repeat several times."
Chemical Lab
The next step of the research takes place in the chemical lab.
"Each block of amino acids has what's called a guest residue, which is an amino acid that can change the property of the peptide. Because of the guest residue, nanoparticles can form above a certain temperature, the transition temperature. If the temperature rises above the transition temperature, nanoparticles spontaneously form. If the temperature is then lowered below the transition temperature, the nanoparticles disassemble."
Vehicle for Medication
"Each nanoparticle has a core. Our goal is to encapsulate a drug within that core. Thus, the nanoparticle serves as a vehicle for the medication. This vehicle must remain intact and reach the target site in the body where it's needed for optimal effect. In this way, medication can be administered in a highly targeted manner."
Fundamental Research
"We are currently in the phase of fundamental research," explains Donja van den Beld.
"Our primary goal is to develop nanoparticles that are stable and to explore the possibilities of manipulating the core and the exterior of the nanoparticle. I hope to achieve this by August 2024, when my master's research is scheduled to end."
A Long-Term Process
The master's student does not venture to predict when patients will be treated with this method.
"In any case, it is a matter of years, as scientific research is a long-term process that requires collaboration. I would like to continue contributing to the research and hope to be able to do so in the future."
This testimonial previously appeared on TechGelderland.nl
Images: Linda Verweij