Project description
Novel nanocomposites for precision cancer therapy
Cancer treatments face limitations due to inadequate tumour targeting, inherent toxicity and resistance mechanisms associated with hypoxic tumour microenvironments. Nano-metal organic frameworks, characterised by porous nanostructure and tunable chemical properties, present a promising platform for overcoming these limitations. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the Photo-bioMOF project aims to engineer multifunctional nanocomposites that combine four treatment modalities: photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, radiotherapy sensitisation and light-triggered drug release. The efficacy of this platform for precise and synergistic therapy will be validated in lung cancer cell models, patient-derived organoids and vascularised tumour models. The underlying design principles can be adapted to other cancer types and applications in environmental sensing and photocatalysis.
Objective
Cancer remains one of the most pressing global health challenges, with current therapies often limited by toxicity, hypoxia, and lack of spatial precision. Photo-bioMOF addresses these barriers by pioneering a new generation of multifunctional nanoMOFs for fully integrated multimodal cancer therapy. The project introduces an unprecedented design: direct incorporation of Au(III) into MOF linkers, enabling the in situ formation of photoactive AuNPs within the tumor microenvironment. In parallel, introducing a heavy metal (e.g. Hf4+) into the clusters lowers the HOCO–LUCO band gap, amplifying light absorption, boosting ROS generation, and enhancing radiosensitivity under irradiation. By unifying these 2 mechanisms within a single framework, Photo-bioMOF will create a platform where photothermal, photodynamic, and radiotherapeutic functions converge, while also enabling irradiation-triggered chemotherapy release—achieving, for the first time, a fully integrated 4-in-1 nanomedicine. Beyond chemical innovation, the project establishes proof of concept through a staged validation pipeline: in vitro studies on pulmonary cells (host), ex vivo testing in patient-derived 3D lung organoids (secondment), and in ovo evaluation using vascularized tumor models (non-academic placement). This workflow ensures robust assessment of efficacy, biodistribution, and safety, while consolidating the fellow’s expertise in MOF design and providing outstanding training in nanotechnology, biological validation, and translational nanomedicine—strengthening independence and leadership potential. By initially targeting lung cancer the project addresses an unmet medical need, while its design principles are adaptable to other cancers or diseases (e.g. infections). In parallel, the structural and photochemical versatility of nanoMOFs enables applications in energy and environment (e.g. photocatalysis, decontamination, sensing), positioning Photo-bioMOF at the frontier of translational nanoscience.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences chemical sciences catalysis photocatalysis
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology lung cancer
- engineering and technology nanotechnology
- medical and health sciences medical biotechnology nanomedicine
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
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.
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.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
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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.
28935 Mostoles Madrid
Spain
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.