The main scientific results achieved can be summarized as follows:
- Successful preparation and characterization of magnetic nanoparticles functionalised with cyclooctynyl derivatives (CO-MNPs) for bioorthogonal click chemistry applications
- Successful covalent immobilization of CO-MNPs on azide surfaces as proof of concept of their bioorthogonal click capability
- Successful installation of azide groups on the membrane of MCF-7 cells
- Successful covalent immobilization of CO-MNPs on the membrane of azide-labelled MCF-7 cells
- Preliminary magnetic hyperthermia studies using CO-MNPs covalently attached on the membrane of azide-labelled MCF-7 cells (experiments carried out during the secondment at University College London, UCL, April-June 2017)
The main training achievements can be summarized as follows:
- New techniques for characterization of MNPs
- New skills in MNP synthesis and functionalization and bioorganic chemistry
- Hands-on training for solution and in vitro magnetic hyperthermia
- New knowledge and skills regarding in vitro experiments (cell culture techniques, cell viability tests, subcellular localization studies of MNPs by confocal fluorescence microscopy)
- Complementary/transferrable skills (proposal writing, Scientific presentation and dissemination skills, project management, leadership, networking)