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Design and photo-optimization of Photosensitizer for Human Health and Food security applications or “how light can save lives”

Objective

The development of active compounds that can efficiently fight microbial infections and cancer are of utmost importance for food security and human health, two main challenges for Europe. Tetrapyrrolic photosensitizers (PS) are good candidates to meet these expectations. These photo-excitable molecules induce cell death via the formation of oxygen reactive species (ROS) and present very low toxicity in the absence of light. They are already used in photodynamic therapy (PDT) for cancer or skin disease treatments or in photo-antimicrobial chemo-therapy (PACT). Unfortunately, the research and training are still largely fragmented in this field in Europe. Some scientific barriers have to be overcome to increase their efficacy, e.g. improvement of the excitation pathways, ROS production, specific cell targeting, Gram (-) bactericidal effect and prevention and/or eradication of biofilms. That is why the EJD Polythea project aims developing an integrated and multidisciplinary approach of PDT through the implementation of 10 PhD research projects. The Polythea consortium proposes to develop (i) new tetrapyrrolic PS for various types of PDT including anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and immune-activating application, improving their photophysical and biological properties; and (ii) innovative bio-inspired drug carriers or supports.
In parallel, a joint doctorate structure gathering 5 countries will be created and a multidisciplinary and inter-sectorial training programme will be implemented through network events and secondments to non-academic partners. It will provide a common background on PDT to the ESRs and make them more valuable employees, effective at problem solving. Practical applications should come out of this project such as first aid bandages, new skin/anti-tumour treatments, self-sterilizing surfaces for food industry or prosthetic devices.

Coordinator

UNIVERSITE DE LIMOGES
Net EU contribution
€ 525 751,20
Address
François Mitterrand 33
87032 Limoges
France

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Region
Nouvelle-Aquitaine Limousin Haute-Vienne
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Other funding
€ 0,00

Participants (6)

THE PROVOST, FELLOWS, FOUNDATION SCHOLARS & THE OTHER MEMBERS OF BOARD, OF THE COLLEGE OF THE HOLY & UNDIVIDED TRINITY OF QUEEN ELIZABETH NEAR DUBLIN
Ireland
Net EU contribution
€ 797 023,80
Address
College Green Trinity College
D02 CX56 Dublin 2

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Region
Ireland Eastern and Midland Dublin
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Other funding
€ 0,00
POLITECHNIKA WROCLAWSKA
Poland
Net EU contribution
€ 224 137,44
Address
Wybrzeze Wyspianskiego 27
50-370 Wroclaw

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Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Other funding
€ 0,00
UNIVERSITEIT VAN AMSTERDAM
Netherlands
Net EU contribution
€ 255 374,28
Address
Spui 21
1012WX Amsterdam

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Region
West-Nederland Noord-Holland Groot-Amsterdam
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Other funding
€ 0,00
UNIVERSIDADE DE COIMBRA
Portugal
Net EU contribution
€ 238 356,36
Address
Paco Das Escolas
3004-531 Coimbra

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Region
Continente Centro (PT) Região de Coimbra
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Other funding
€ 0,00
UNIVERSITE DE NEUCHATEL
Switzerland
Net EU contribution
€ 265 226,76
Address
Faubourg De L'hopital 41
2000 Neuchatel

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Region
Schweiz/Suisse/Svizzera Espace Mittelland Neuchâtel
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Other funding
€ 0,00
BIOEMISSION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS IKE
Greece
Net EU contribution
€ 242 386,92
Address
L. Mesogeion 387
153 43 Agia Paraskevi (Athina)

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SME

The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.

Yes
Region
Βόρειος Τομέας Αθηνών Aττική Αττική
Activity type
Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments)
Other funding
€ 0,00