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Targeting cancer with multi-engineered selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs): Development of a biocompatible nanocomposite for targeted gene therapy in BRAF-mutated resistant melanoma.

Objective

Nanotechnology has grown at an exponential rate in the last decade, finding a large application in the biomedical field. Nanoparticles are emerging as effective drug delivery tools, since they overcome most limitations of free therapeutics - while offering a series of physical/chemical advantages. Among engineered nanomaterials, selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) have shown a growing potential as a therapeutic platform since they offer both the properties of selenium (Se) and the ones of a nanoscale system. SUNSET project aims is to design and develop a hydrogel-based nanocomposite containing multi-functionalised SeNPs, to use as an effective nanoplatform for cancer gene therapy. The designed system will be evaluated in resistant melanoma, specifically BRAF mutated lesions, which represent 66% of the cancer cases and are those that show resistance to currently available therapies, causing most cancer deaths. Here, the synthesis of SeNPs is followed by surface functionalisation with a specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) and their embedding in the polymeric phase. All the materials will be synthesised through green chemistry routes, to guarantee a low environmental impact of the procedure and its scalability and reproducibility. The anticancer activity of the nanocomposite will be evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. Overall, the combination of RNAi technology, nanomedicine and biocompatible materials – selenium and natural hydrogels – will be useful to gain a more efficient therapy, overcoming the main current challenges in the care of resistant melanomas. Moreover, the simplicity of the fabrication and the possibility to scale up the procedure, make the proposed system possibly attractive for clinical applications, promoting European Scientific Excellence. Lastly, I will have the possibility to start new cross-disciplinary collaborations that will pave the way for my future research career.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

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Keywords

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2022-PF-01

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Coordinator

ACADEMISCH ZIEKENHUIS GRONINGEN
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 187 624,32
Address
HANZEPLEIN 1
9713 GZ Groningen
Netherlands

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Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

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