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.
