Thesis

Magnetic Nanoplatforms For Biomedical Applications Using High Energy Gamma Rays/Proton Radiation

• Call:

  ProtoTera Call 2023/1

• Academic Year:

  2023

• Supervisor:

  Laura C J Pereira

• Co-Supervisor:

  Teresa Pinheiro

• Host Institution:

  C2TN - Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares

• Granting Degree Institution:

  Instituto Superior Técnico (Universidade de Lisboa)

• Typology:

  National

• Abstract:

  This PhD program will focus on the design and evaluation of the biological prospective of multifunctional magnetic nanoplatforms for biomedical applications. They are powerful non-invasive tools for hyperthermia therapy and radiotherapy as radiosensitizers of gamma and proton radiation. These nanoplatforms are based on core–shell magnetic nanostructured iron oxides (Fe3O4) displaying superparamagnetic behavior (SPIONs). The overall goal is to provide essential physicochemical and biological knowledge and contribute to the development of breakthrough strategies for more efficient and selective cancer therapies. This can be considered an emerging partnership for both gamma rays and proton radiation therapies. Recently it was found that gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) functionalized with a DOTA derivative and bombesin peptide analogue (BBN) show a very good affinity towards GRPr with T1/T2 MRI properties and a remarkably internalization into human PC3 cancer cells. In addition, AuNPs can act as radiosensitizers after exposure cells to high-energy radiation. In this regard, a comparison of the potential synergic cell-killing effects for both gamma-rays and proton radiation therapies can be evaluated on biological systems, namely with relevant cancer cell models, in the presence or absence of the magnetic nanoplatforms. These studies may be extended to relevant animal models.