Project description
3D-printed microneedle patch for skin cancer therapy
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) anchors the fight against non-melanoma lesions, Europe’s most prevalent form of cancer. However, three major drawbacks compromise its potential. Poor targeting precision, lack of feedback loops, and an absolute dependence on oxygen drastically reduce the treatment’s real-world impact and keep it out of reach for many patients. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the LUCENT project is developing a 3D-printed microneedle patch for light-activated cancer therapy. This patch combines phycocyanin, a natural dye that produces reactive oxygen species and offers optical feedback, with biocompatible carbon nanodots that generate mild heat to enhance treatment in low-oxygen areas. Activated by low-power red light, this patch is expected to provide localised, self-regulated therapy suitable for outpatient or home use.
Objective
Skin cancer is the most common malignancy in Europe, and its incidence is rising due to UV exposure and ageing populations. While photodynamic therapy (PDT) is already used to treat non-melanoma lesions, current methods suffer from poor spatial precision, lack of feedback control, and dependence on oxygen. These limitations reduce efficacy and make treatment uncomfortable or inaccessible for many patients. In LUCENT, I aim to develop a smart, 3D-printed microneedle patch for light-activated cancer therapy. The device will combine two light-responsive materials: a natural dye (phycocyanin) that produces reactive oxygen species and provides optical feedback, with biocompatible carbon nanodots that generate mild heat to boost treatment in oxygen-poor areas. Together, they allow localised, self-regulated therapy activated by low-power red light, suitable for outpatient or home use. My project brings together photochemistry, nanomaterial design, and 3D biomedical fabrication within a unified therapeutic system. I will combine experimental and theoretical tools to study material behaviour under light, optimise performance, and validate the patch in skin-relevant models. My background in photophysics, carbon nanodots, and polymer-based optical devices prepares me to lead this challenge. The host institution offers world-class expertise in bio-based materials and a strong track record in interdisciplinary innovation. A secondment in 3D printing will support the translational path of the project. LUCENT will help me shift from fundamental research to applied therapy, establish my independence in light-responsive materials, and contribute to decentralised cancer care in Europe.
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.
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology skin cancer
- natural sciences chemical sciences physical chemistry photochemistry
- engineering and technology mechanical engineering manufacturing engineering additive manufacturing
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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)
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Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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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.
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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.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
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(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
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771 47 Olomouc
Czechia
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.