Magnetic and radionuclide labeled nanostructured materials for medical applications

The main objective of the project is the research on the magnetic and radionuclide labeled nanomaterials suitable for medical applications, including multifunctional nanomaterials based on radionuclide labeled magnetic nanopaticles (MNPs). The project will be realized through the following workpackages: - Design of nanomagnetic materials for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic hyperthermia (MH); - Design of new radionuclide labeled nanostructures for diagnostics and targeted radionuclide therapy (TRT) of malignant diseases; - Development of new radiopharmaceuticals based on nanostructured materials; - Research on multifunctional radionuclide labeled MNPs for simultaneous TRT–MRI and MH-TRT. The main projected outcomes can be subdivided as: i) Results of fundamental research ­ Introduction of reliable methods for controlled MNPs synthesis and functionalization; Identification of target candidates and suitable vectors for TRT. ii) Results of applied research ­ Synthesis of differently coated MNPs with targeted magnetic and biochemical characteristics; ­ Synthesis of different ferrofluids optimized for MRI and MH; ­ Development of radionuclide labeled vectors (functionalized NPs with different chelators and co-ligands). iii) Preclinical testing of drug candidates ­ In vitro testing of toxicity of synthesized NPs in cultured immune cells; In vivo studies of stability, biodistribution and therapeutic efficacy of functionalized radiolabeled NPs on small animals.