Objective
Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) have outstanding optical and magnetic properties, which make them extremely suited for application in cancer phototherapy and imaging. They efficiently convert low energy near infrared (NIR) light to higher energies in the visible. The so-generated upconverted luminescence can be exploited to photoactive anticancer metal complexes, a promising class of compounds studied as novel photochemotherapy agents. UCNP-mediated NIR activation will allow overcoming metal complexes’ light absorption limitations, simultaneously achieving considerably higher tissue penetration and preserving photochemical reactivity. Indeed, the rich photochemistry of metal complexes can result in unique cell killing modes, critically important in the development of novel anticancer prodrugs.
The project aims at investigating the use of UCNPs in the photoactivation of promising anticancer metal complexes, and more specifically at developing new nanomaterials where these two components are integrated to give a superior prodrug. Anchoring photoactive anticancer coordination compounds on UCNPs can produce materials with optimal photophysical and photochemical properties for chemotherapy. Moreover, the chemical versatility of UCNPs offers opportunity for functionalization with biological vectors, which improve biocompatibility, targeting and selectivity features of these integrated nanomaterials in cells and tissues. Remarkably, UCNPs are also excellent new candidates for multimodal (optical/MRI/PET) bioimaging. Their upconverted luminescence, magnetic resonance relaxivity and radioactivity (ease of 18F-labeling) will serve to visualize fundamental biological events with high spatial resolution, which are key to study the photoactive nanomaterials’ anticancer action as well as for their medical use. All such features combined together have the potential to deliver innovative therapeutic and imaging agents for cancer phototherapy.
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 physical chemistry photochemistry
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology
- engineering and technology nanotechnology nano-materials
You need to log in or register to use this function
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.
Topic(s)
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.
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.
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.
FP7-PEOPLE-2012-CIG
See other projects for this call
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.
MC-CIG - Support for training and career development of researcher (CIG)
Coordinator
20009 San Sebastian
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.