Objective This project aims to address the current limitations of existing in vivo optical imaging nanoprobes (ONPs). Specifically, the present study targets a tangible breakthrough that will increase both the optical contrast and sub-tissue penetration depth of optical imaging, compared to that obtainable with state-of-the art contrast agents. In particular, the ability to optically overcome the limitations imposed by autofluorescence (light endogenously generated by the specimen upon irradiation) constitutes a very demanding requirement for the real-life application of ONPs. In LANTERNS my proposal is to accomplish the above-mentioned goals through an elegant marriage between lanthanide (Ln) ions and chalcogenide ternary quantum dots (QDs), the latter acting as a host for the ions. These smartly-designed ONPs (Ln-QDs) will have a superior capability for minimally-invasive deep-tissue imaging, owing to an unprecedented brightness and fully near-infrared (NIR) operational capabilities. These features will endow the so-designed Ln-QDs with outstanding optical contrast and sub-tissue penetration depth. In perspective, the development of this system will deliver an all-optical diagnostic practice that will reduce patient risk, in terms of possible harm, and lessen the amount of radiation required to localize malignancies. These goals will be achieved concurrently with a considerable reduction of the imaging costs via the use of low-cost excitation sources and signal detection setups, also shortening the imaging times. The project is also expected to lead to the assessment of a widely applicable method to produce a virtually infinite number of Ln-QDs, whose optical properties could be finely tuned throughout the entire optical radiation spectrum. Beyond the main biomedical aim of this project, the expected progress will constitute a significant leap within the luminescent materials science field, with an appeal to a broad scientific community. Programme(s) H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Main Programme H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility Topic(s) MSCA-IF-2017 - Individual Fellowships Call for proposal H2020-MSCA-IF-2017 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF Coordinator UNIVERSIDAD AUTONOMA DE MADRID Net EU contribution € 158 121,60 Address Calle einstein 3 ciudad univ cantoblanco rectorado 28049 Madrid Spain See on map Region Comunidad de Madrid Comunidad de Madrid Madrid Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 0,00
