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La théranostique (contraction de diagnostic et thérapie) consiste à localiser les cellules cancéreuses pour les traiter de manière ciblée. Le projet UNAT vise à développer de nouveaux nanohybrides pour des applications théranostiques. Ce projet interdisciplinaire et intersectoriel, coordonné par O. TILLEMENT et V. LYSENKO associe 2 partenaires académiques - l’Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 et le Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (Italie) -, un centre de recherche et innovation, Science Park (Ukraine) et une PME, Bioemtech (Grèce). Le projet UNAT repose sur des échanges de personnels entre les partenaires.

 

Key information / Informations

•    Funding programme / Programme de financement: Horizon 2020 > Excellence > Marie Sklodowska Curie Actions > Research and Innovation Staff Exchanges 2020
•    Coordinator / Coordinateur: O. TILLEMENT et V. LYSENKO
•    Partners’ list / Liste des partenaires :

o    Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 (France) - Coord
o    Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR, Italie)
o    Science Park (Ukraine)
o    Bioemtech (Grèce)

•    Budget : 832,600.00€
•    Grant / Subvention : 832,600.00€
•    Début – Fin : 01/04/2021 – 31/03/2025


Context / Contexte


Theranostics refers to the simultaneous integration of diagnosis and therapy. Recently, different nanoscale materials have been discovered to be extremely efficient for cancer theranostic applications. Among them, hybrid nanomaterials, or nanohybrids (NHs), have attracted particular interests in biomedicine, owing to their highly-enriched distinctive physical and chemical properties. NHs integrate both organic and inorganic moieties in a single entity showcasing synergistic properties of the constituents and a new prospect towards clinics. The translation of NHs to clinics is relatively new and complicated. The global challenges are mainly related to (i) difficulties in industrialization of their synthesis, (ii) non-suitable pharmaco-kinetics with long retention in the body and low penetration in the tumours for the most nanomedicines, (iii) eventual toxicity.


Objectives / Objectifs


The general objective of UNAT is the development of innovative approaches for chemical synthesis and multi-functional application of ultra-small (<10 nm) carbon-based NHs functionalized with various metal atoms for diagnostics and therapy of cancer. The combination of pre-clinical in-vitro and in-vivo imaging experiments will allow the evaluation of the theranostic potential of the carbon-based NHs.
More specifically, the first objective is to develop diversified and complementary approaches for the fabrication of the NHs, which will be based on Carbon Dots (CDs) produced by:(i) chemical synthesis from organic compounds and (ii) chemical synthesis from biomasses and bio-wastes. After their incorporation into cancer cell cultures and animals, application of the ultra-small NHs as universal contrast agents for multi-modal imaging constitutes the second major objective. Finally, the third objective of the UNAT corresponds to application of electro-magnetic radiations as a therapeutic mean to treat cancer.

Expected impact and results / Impact et résultats attendus


The multi-disciplinary researches to be carried out in UNAT is a major opportunity at EU level to catalyze scientific developments around nanotechnologies dedicated to cancer treatment. Physicists, chemists and biologists will be teaming up to try to attack cancer malignancies using the original bio-functionalized NHs. In addition, UNAT will tackle the development of CDs nanomaterials using modern “green” synthesis technologies paving the way towards sustainable processes by valorizing wastes upcycling.
As a project based on staff exchanges, UNAT partners will allow their staff members to step across classical research fields with dexterity and ingenuity which is expected to have a positive impact on their skills and career perspectives. UNAT will also contribute to the development of new and sustainable collaborations among the partners through an efficient and long-lasting transfer of knowledge. Finally, the partners expect to consolidate their partnership through new European projects (with the assistance of LIP).


LIP’s contribution / Rôle de LIP


LIP a accompagné le montage du projet UNAT (établissement des plannings de détachements, conseils pour la rédaction), puis la négociation avec la Commission Européenne. LIP assiste O. TILLEMENT et V. LYSENKO dans le management quotidien du projet : suivi et déclaration des échanges de personnels, reporting administratif et financier auprès de la CE, logistique (organisation des meetings et des workshops internes) etc. LIP assiste également le consortium dans le dépôt de nouveaux projets sur Horizon Europe.