Periodic Reporting for period 2 - HeatNMof (Heating triggered drug release from nanometric inorganic-metal organic framework composites)
Reporting period: 2022-03-01 to 2024-08-31
The HeatNMof project addresses a crucial challenge in cancer therapy: the need for precise drug delivery systems that enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing side effects. The project focuses on developing multifunctional nanomedicines based on Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) combined with plasmonic or magnetic inorganic nanoparticles. These nanomedicines are engineered to specifically release drugs at targeted cancer sites using external stimuli like light or magnetic fields. Additional relevant properties (e.g. magnetic guiding, magnetic hyperthermia, photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, magnetic resonance imaging) allowed to further increase their antitumoral efficacy and selectivity. This precise control in drug administration together with advantageously combined effects (e.g. chemo-, photothermal, photodynamic-) not only improves treatment outcomes but also reduces collateral damage to healthy tissues, presenting significant advancements for both nanomedicine and oncology.
The importance of this research for society lies in its potential to revolutionize cancer therapies by making treatments more effective and safer. By allowing for more precise localization of drugs, it opens the door to using more potent pharmaceuticals without harming healthy cells, which is a major limitation in current cancer treatments. Moreover, the ability to deliver multiple drugs in combination could offer solutions for complex diseases, paving the way for more comprehensive treatment strategies.
The overall objectives of the HeatNMof project include:
-Developing nanocarriers that can release drugs in response to external triggers (light and magnetic fields).
-Enhancing the efficacy and reducing the side effects of cancer therapies through targeted delivery.
-Combining diverse targeting, complementary therapies (i.e. chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, hyperthermia) and imaging in a single highly efficient multifunctional nanomedicine.
-Training early-stage researchers (ESRs) with advanced skills in nanomedicine, preparing them for future leadership roles in both academic and industrial sectors.
-Establishing a foundation for future clinical applications of MOFs in nanomedicine, with follow-up research and potential collaborations already planned.
The importance of this research for society lies in its potential to revolutionize cancer therapies by making treatments more effective and safer. By allowing for more precise localization of drugs, it opens the door to using more potent pharmaceuticals without harming healthy cells, which is a major limitation in current cancer treatments. Moreover, the ability to deliver multiple drugs in combination could offer solutions for complex diseases, paving the way for more comprehensive treatment strategies.
The overall objectives of the HeatNMof project include:
-Developing nanocarriers that can release drugs in response to external triggers (light and magnetic fields).
-Enhancing the efficacy and reducing the side effects of cancer therapies through targeted delivery.
-Combining diverse targeting, complementary therapies (i.e. chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, hyperthermia) and imaging in a single highly efficient multifunctional nanomedicine.
-Training early-stage researchers (ESRs) with advanced skills in nanomedicine, preparing them for future leadership roles in both academic and industrial sectors.
-Establishing a foundation for future clinical applications of MOFs in nanomedicine, with follow-up research and potential collaborations already planned.
From the outset, the HeatNMof project has been a pivotal exploration of nanomaterials for cancer therapy, producing remarkable advances in drug delivery systems. Researchers successfully engineered MOFs (Metal-Organic Frameworks) integrated with plasmonic or magnetic inorganic nanoparticles, achieving precise control over drug release using external stimuli like light and magnetic fields. This innovation marked a breakthrough, allowing drugs to reach cancerous sites, minimizing collateral damage to healthy cells.
One of the most significant accomplishments is the successful demonstration of MOF-based nanocarriers for the simultaneous delivery of multiple anticancer drugs, maximizing therapeutic effects through synergistic interactions. This has opened up new avenues for treating cancer types previously resistant to conventional therapies. Beyond the experimental successes, the project has laid the groundwork for higher Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) and has sparked strong interest from commercial stakeholders, who recognize the transformative potential of these materials in clinical settings.
The project’s exploitation efforts have not only advanced the technology but have also involved important collaboration with industrial partners. This synergy between academia and industry has driven the refinement of MOF nanocomposites and their potential commercial applications in both medicine and beyond. The commercial interest provides a pathway for these innovations to transition into real-world therapies, which can revolutionize the way cancer is treated.
In terms of dissemination, the project’s results were widely shared with the scientific community and industry through high-impact journal publications, participation in major international conferences, and targeted outreach efforts. This has ensured the visibility of HeatNMof’s achievements, fostering further collaboration across disciplinary and institutional boundaries. Additionally, the training of Early-Stage Researchers (ESRs) within this multidisciplinary framework has produced a new generation of experts poised to continue advancing the field of material science, nanotechnology and medicine, ensuring that the project's impacts will extend far into the future.
HeatNMof has not only made cutting-edge scientific advancements but has also created an ecosystem of knowledge transfer and collaboration that promises sustained innovation in nanomedicine and cancer treatment. The success in material development, alongside extensive dissemination and exploitation efforts, ensures that the project’s findings will contribute significantly to both academic progress and real-world medical applications.
One of the most significant accomplishments is the successful demonstration of MOF-based nanocarriers for the simultaneous delivery of multiple anticancer drugs, maximizing therapeutic effects through synergistic interactions. This has opened up new avenues for treating cancer types previously resistant to conventional therapies. Beyond the experimental successes, the project has laid the groundwork for higher Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) and has sparked strong interest from commercial stakeholders, who recognize the transformative potential of these materials in clinical settings.
The project’s exploitation efforts have not only advanced the technology but have also involved important collaboration with industrial partners. This synergy between academia and industry has driven the refinement of MOF nanocomposites and their potential commercial applications in both medicine and beyond. The commercial interest provides a pathway for these innovations to transition into real-world therapies, which can revolutionize the way cancer is treated.
In terms of dissemination, the project’s results were widely shared with the scientific community and industry through high-impact journal publications, participation in major international conferences, and targeted outreach efforts. This has ensured the visibility of HeatNMof’s achievements, fostering further collaboration across disciplinary and institutional boundaries. Additionally, the training of Early-Stage Researchers (ESRs) within this multidisciplinary framework has produced a new generation of experts poised to continue advancing the field of material science, nanotechnology and medicine, ensuring that the project's impacts will extend far into the future.
HeatNMof has not only made cutting-edge scientific advancements but has also created an ecosystem of knowledge transfer and collaboration that promises sustained innovation in nanomedicine and cancer treatment. The success in material development, alongside extensive dissemination and exploitation efforts, ensures that the project’s findings will contribute significantly to both academic progress and real-world medical applications.
The HeatNMof project has significantly advanced the state of the art by developing MOF-based nanocarriers that offer precise, stimulus-responsive drug delivery systems, which were previously unattainable at this scale. The project has explored innovative approaches by combining MOFs with plasmonic and magnetic inorganic nanoparticles, introducing controllable release mechanisms for cancer therapies. Expected results by the project's conclusion include the refinement of these materials for broader therapeutic applications (e.g. infections, multi-drug synergies) and imaging, as well as other industrially relevant fields (e.g. sensing, water remediation).
The socio-economic impact is vast: by improving cancer treatment efficacy, reducing side effects, and potentially combining imaging properties, HeatNMof’s innovations address public health needs. The project's societal implications are equally profound. Not only does it contribute to the ongoing effort to combat cancer, but it also paves the way for further research into nanomedicine, establishing new paradigms in precision medicine.
Moreover, the project has helped nurture a new generation of researchers skilled in multidisciplinary approaches to nanotechnology, ensuring that the impacts of HeatNMof extend well beyond its formal conclusion. These researchers are poised to make significant contributions in both academic and industrial sectors, ensuring that the knowledge gained will continue to benefit society at large.
The socio-economic impact is vast: by improving cancer treatment efficacy, reducing side effects, and potentially combining imaging properties, HeatNMof’s innovations address public health needs. The project's societal implications are equally profound. Not only does it contribute to the ongoing effort to combat cancer, but it also paves the way for further research into nanomedicine, establishing new paradigms in precision medicine.
Moreover, the project has helped nurture a new generation of researchers skilled in multidisciplinary approaches to nanotechnology, ensuring that the impacts of HeatNMof extend well beyond its formal conclusion. These researchers are poised to make significant contributions in both academic and industrial sectors, ensuring that the knowledge gained will continue to benefit society at large.