Medical Applications of High-Power Lasers – Dr.LASER
Project Director: Prof. Horia Iovu
Funding authority: Ministry of Investments and European Projects, Romania
Project implementation: 2025 – 2029
Abstract: The project has a duration of five years and carries out several key activities, including the development of an experimental setup for laser-driven carbon ion acceleration, used in oncology treatments, and the creation of a high-sensitivity interferometric mammography system. Its main objective is the development and implementation of innovative high-power laser technologies for medical applications, with a focus on hadron therapy, advanced X-ray medical imaging, and the generation of radioisotopes for nuclear medicine.
The project is led by the National Institute for Research and Development in Physics and Nuclear Engineering ''Horia Hulube'', in collaboration with:
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy,
- Regional Institute of Oncology Iași,
- Oncology Institute ''Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuță'' Cluj-Napoca,
- National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest,
- Accent Pro 2000 SRL,
- I.P. Automatic Design SRL.
POLITEHNICA Bucharest plays a crucial role in the development of X-ray medical imaging systems, specifically by:
- Creating 3D-printed medical phantoms for testing and calibrating new imaging techniques.
- Evaluating the mechanical and structural properties of these phantoms.
- Characterizing phantoms using micro-computed tomography (µCT) for validating imaging technologies.
Funding authority: Ministry of Investments and European Projects, Romania
Project implementation: 2025 – 2029
Abstract: The project has a duration of five years and carries out several key activities, including the development of an experimental setup for laser-driven carbon ion acceleration, used in oncology treatments, and the creation of a high-sensitivity interferometric mammography system. Its main objective is the development and implementation of innovative high-power laser technologies for medical applications, with a focus on hadron therapy, advanced X-ray medical imaging, and the generation of radioisotopes for nuclear medicine.
The project is led by the National Institute for Research and Development in Physics and Nuclear Engineering ''Horia Hulube'', in collaboration with:
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy,
- Regional Institute of Oncology Iași,
- Oncology Institute ''Prof. Dr. Ion Chiricuță'' Cluj-Napoca,
- National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest,
- Accent Pro 2000 SRL,
- I.P. Automatic Design SRL.
POLITEHNICA Bucharest plays a crucial role in the development of X-ray medical imaging systems, specifically by:
- Creating 3D-printed medical phantoms for testing and calibrating new imaging techniques.
- Evaluating the mechanical and structural properties of these phantoms.
- Characterizing phantoms using micro-computed tomography (µCT) for validating imaging technologies.
Analysis of correlations between the histopathological type of differentiated Thyroid Cancer (papillary and follicular) and radioiodine therapy
Project Director: Irina Oana Lixandru Petre
Funding authority: Academy of Scientists from Romania
Project implementation: 01.04.2024 – 30.11.2025
Abstract: The project has as its principal objective creating interdisciplinary links and knowledge transfer between the parties involved in the project [eBio-hub team (eBio-hub CAMPUS), HPC data center (PRECIS, Faculty of Automation and Computers) - National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, Romanian Academy of Scientists and National Institute of Endocrinology ''C.I. Parhon''] for the joint development of artificial intelligence-based solutions for clinical and medical applications.
Using statistical and analytical analysis based on real thyroid cancer data, we will be able to develop treatment models for a more favorable response to this disease.
Funding authority: Academy of Scientists from Romania
Project implementation: 01.04.2024 – 30.11.2025
Abstract: The project has as its principal objective creating interdisciplinary links and knowledge transfer between the parties involved in the project [eBio-hub team (eBio-hub CAMPUS), HPC data center (PRECIS, Faculty of Automation and Computers) - National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, Romanian Academy of Scientists and National Institute of Endocrinology ''C.I. Parhon''] for the joint development of artificial intelligence-based solutions for clinical and medical applications.
Using statistical and analytical analysis based on real thyroid cancer data, we will be able to develop treatment models for a more favorable response to this disease.
Novel smart hydrogels based on biopolymers and graphene oxide for photothermal therapy (Co.no.23/09.10.2023)
Project Director: Dr. Iuliana Biru (iuliana.biru[at]upb.ro)
Funding authority: National – GNAC
Project implementation: 09.10.2023 - 31.12.2024
Abstract: The present project focuses on the development of new hydrogels for synergistic anticancer treatment by combining the photothermal effect (PTT) and chemotherapy (CT), targeting prostate cancer. Complex nanoarchitectures based on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) modified with bovine serum albumin (BSA) will be designed. The rGO structure will be involved as a thermal ablation agent, and BSA will ensure the biocompatibility and hydrophilic-hydrophobic balance suitable for drug transport. A combination of drugs (docetaxel (DTX) and Curcumin (C)) will be used against prostate cancer. The presence of a second therapeutic agent, curcumin, with photosensitizing properties, will increase the photothermal efficiency induced by the rGO structure. The idea of the project highlights key points for future scientific studies and will allow further investigations in the case of the effectiveness of rGO/protein nanoplatforms for PTT-CT to understand the mechanism of action at the cellular level. In addition, the project will address innovative methods to avoid the classic intravenous administration of drugs with low targeting efficiency of tumor tissues by introducing synthesized nanoparticles into an injectable hydrogel that will be subjected to 3D bioprinting for the development of a personalized therapy.
Funding authority: National – GNAC
Project implementation: 09.10.2023 - 31.12.2024
Abstract: The present project focuses on the development of new hydrogels for synergistic anticancer treatment by combining the photothermal effect (PTT) and chemotherapy (CT), targeting prostate cancer. Complex nanoarchitectures based on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) modified with bovine serum albumin (BSA) will be designed. The rGO structure will be involved as a thermal ablation agent, and BSA will ensure the biocompatibility and hydrophilic-hydrophobic balance suitable for drug transport. A combination of drugs (docetaxel (DTX) and Curcumin (C)) will be used against prostate cancer. The presence of a second therapeutic agent, curcumin, with photosensitizing properties, will increase the photothermal efficiency induced by the rGO structure. The idea of the project highlights key points for future scientific studies and will allow further investigations in the case of the effectiveness of rGO/protein nanoplatforms for PTT-CT to understand the mechanism of action at the cellular level. In addition, the project will address innovative methods to avoid the classic intravenous administration of drugs with low targeting efficiency of tumor tissues by introducing synthesized nanoparticles into an injectable hydrogel that will be subjected to 3D bioprinting for the development of a personalized therapy.
Project Director: Prof. Horia IOVU (horia.iovu[at]upb.ro)
Funding authority: The Executive Agency for Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation Funding (UEFISCDI)
Project implementation: 01.11.2023 – 31.12.2027
Abstract: The current project aims to develop three important platform technologies, which will support the eBio-hub Research Centre activity. First, it targets to develop a platform technology to fabricate nanoparticles as nanocarriers using surface acoustic waves (SAW) generated in a microfluidic channel. A second platform technology is targeting a “tool” for the previously designed nanocarriers- microneedles patches developed in a personalized way using SAW and 3D printing. The third platform technology is targeting 3D skin models for drug testing. We believe that the developing platform technologies will be the “fundamental pillars” for the maturing eBio-hub research centre.
Funding authority: The Executive Agency for Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation Funding (UEFISCDI)
Project implementation: 01.11.2023 – 31.12.2027
Abstract: The current project aims to develop three important platform technologies, which will support the eBio-hub Research Centre activity. First, it targets to develop a platform technology to fabricate nanoparticles as nanocarriers using surface acoustic waves (SAW) generated in a microfluidic channel. A second platform technology is targeting a “tool” for the previously designed nanocarriers- microneedles patches developed in a personalized way using SAW and 3D printing. The third platform technology is targeting 3D skin models for drug testing. We believe that the developing platform technologies will be the “fundamental pillars” for the maturing eBio-hub research centre.
