Objective
Conjugated porphyrin dimers are promising chromophores for photodynamic therapy (PDT) because of their strong two-photon absorption at wavelengths around 850 nm, as well as their strong one-photon absorption between 650-750 nm. PDT via two-photon absorption, using a pulsed Ti-sapphire laser, should be an effective method for treating age-related macular degeneration (AMD) which is a common cause for blindness.
The advantage of two-photon excitation is that it minimises collateral damage. These chromophores may also lead to promising one-photon PDT sensitisers because they absorb at wavelengths where there is minimal absorption or scattering by living tissues. We already know that conjugated porphyrin dimers possess the necessary photophysical characteristics for PDT as they have high singlet oxygen yields (singlet oxygen is the primary cytotoxic species formed during PDT).
The challenge now is to synthesize biocompatible porphyrin dimers and learn how to deliver them into living cells and how to control their sub-cellular localization. The project will address these issues by exploring a range of molecular architectures and drug delivery techniques. Dr. Balaz is a very talented young researcher in the field of organic synthesis, physical organic chemistry, and spectroscopy.
The proposed project presents a well balanced combination of fundamental and applied research on the intersection of organic synthesis, photophysics and biological chemistry. Completion of this interdisciplinary project would allow him to share his expertise with his colleagues from Slovakia, where he could introduce new research frontiers.
The project addresses one of the major thematic priorities of the European Union's Sixth FrameWork Programme: Life sciences, Genomics and Biotechnology for Health. It explores the highly important area of preparation of new, more effective drugs and offers new approaches which are more elegant and less invasive in combating diseases.
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 biological sciences biochemistry
- natural sciences chemical sciences organic chemistry
- natural sciences biological sciences zoology mammalogy
- natural sciences physical sciences optics laser physics
- natural sciences physical sciences theoretical physics particle physics photons
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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.
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.
FP6-2005-MOBILITY-5
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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.
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.
Coordinator
OXFORD
United Kingdom
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.