The aim of the project C.Cdots is the production of Carbon nanoparticles (Cdots) from wastebiomass and their application in PhotoDynamic Therapy (PDT) as effective ROS/RNS donors.
PDT presents itself as an alternative and versatile technique for cancer treatment. When compared to the traditional treatment options PDT offers great advantages, such as, minimal invasion, low poison, precise operation, and nondrug resistance. One of the its major limitations is the low depth penetration of the ultraviolet or visible radiation necessary to start the process. In order to overcome this problem there is an exciting alternative with higher penetration depth, the two-photon excitation technique. Indeed, the two-photon activated photodynamic therapy (2P-PDT) using near infrared light excitation offers deeper penetration and precision in treatment as compared to the traditional PDT.
Cdots are carbon-based nanoparticles that are adequate for 2P-PDT. By using Cdots is the possible to use the same synthetic platform to functionalize these nanoparticles to act as effective, in situ, ROS/RNS donors and also to quantify the radicals released in real-time in a two step pathway. Cdots have been proven non-toxic, photostable and effective photosensitizers agents that can induce both ROS and RNS using a Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) process. Throughout this project the Cdots will be produced, functionalized Cdots and tested in vitro and in vivo in order optimize the desired absorption/emission wavelength characteristics and to ascertain a possible cytotoxicity. Upon all the toxicity assays and the definition of the parameters that led to the most promising nanomaterials are ascertained, these will be tested in vivo for 2P-PDT applications.
The project has the following goals:
(1) Synthesis, purification and characterization of Cdots produced using wastebiomass.
(2) Cdots functionalization with ROS/RNS donors 2P-PDT application.
(3) Development of a new methodology that allows the Cdots to act as ROS/RNS donors by FRET and biosensors at the same time, in order to quantify the amount of radicals released in situ.
(4) Evaluation of the possible Cdots nanocytotoxicity.
(5) Cdots application in 2P-PDT in vivo, using mice.
(6) Development of a new optical based device for 2P-PDT application optimized to Cdots optical properties.
The working plan will contemplate a consternated plan between 2 Partners with expertise in each particular area. The Research team from REQUIMTE/LAQV is involved in biosensing projects and nanotechnology field applications and have acquired know-how and experience that will allow the project to have outstanding results. The FMUP team in particular the I3S group here leaded by Dr. Rui Fontes has a profound knowledge and know-how on toxicity issues in both in vivo and in vitro and will be decisive in the PDT application.