Action Participants - Management Committee
Prof. Alan Christy Hunter ()
MC member
Working Groups 1 and 2
Leicester School of Pharmacy
Leicester Institute of Pharmaceutical Innovation, DeMontfort University
Leicester, United Kingdom
http://www.dmu.ac.uk/about-dmu/academic-staff/health-and-life-sciences/christy-hunter/christy-hunter.aspx
Dr. Hunter's research is directed at understanding interaction of the human complement system with synthetic materials and the development of inhibitors to stop these interactions.
Dr. Albana Ndreu Halili ()
MC member
Working Groups 1 and 2
Department of Information Technology
Aleksander Moisiu University
Epoka University
Durrës, Albania
https://www.uamd.edu.al/index.php/sq/
Dr. Halili is working on producing electrospun nano/microfibers with the aim of tissue engineering and drug delivery systems. She is building a research group in Albania that will focus on producing nano/microfibers by electrospinning process. Some of the research group members will work on designing new electrospun nanofiber-based drug delivery systems.
Prof. Alexandar Dimitrov ()
MC member
Working Groups 1 and 2
Laboratory of Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology, Department of Extractive Metallurgy
Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University SS Cyril and Methodius
Skopje, Republic of Macedonia
www.tmf.ukim.edu.mk
Prof. Dimitrov’s group does an intensive research in the field of new methods for production of graphene and MWCNT’s. The used electrochemical method provides an opportunity to produce MWCNT’s and graphene of high quality, high yield and low cost. Furthermore, we are also researching in areas for their application in nanomedicine as potential carriers of controlled drug release cytostatic. The obtained results are solid indicator of their potential use as carriers of anti-cancer drugs. Carbon nanostructures produced in Prof. Dimotrov's lab can also be used by other participants in this COST action.
Prof. Anan Yaghmur ()
MC member
Working Groups 1 and 3
Laboratory of Non-Lamellar Liquid Crystalline Nanomedicine Design
Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen
Copenhagen, Denmark
https://pharmacy.ku.dk/employees/?pure=en/persons/366190
Dr. Yaghmur’s research team is focusing on the development of nanomedicines with tunable nanostructures (cubosomes, hexosomes, and other related lipid nanodispersions of inverse non-lamellar liquid crystalline phases) for drug/bio-imaging applications. Of particular interest is the design of cancer nanomedicines and their characterization by various techniques including SAXS and Cryo-TEM under equilibrium and non-equilibrium conditions. The optimal utilization of these soft self-assembled nanomedicines for drug delivery applications requires studying the impact of loading drugs on their internal nanostructures, and fully comprehending their interaction with the biological environment.
M. Sc. Andreas Falk ()
MC member
Working Groups 2 and 4
BioNanoNet Forschungsgesellschaft mbH (BNN)
Graz, Austria
www.bionanonet.at
Andreas Falk, CEO of BNN, will aim at further strengthening the collaboration between nanosafety and nanomedicine community, enabling technologic breakthroughs for cancer nanomedicine. BNN is European key player in the field of nano-safety, specialised in developing nanorelated Safe-by-Design strategies together with researchers and industry, and coordinates international nano-safety and nano-innovation activities (e.g., NanoSafety Cluster, Industrial Innovation Liaison i2L, Closer-To-The-Market, etc.) as well as chairs the safety-working group in the European Technology Platform on Nanomedicine.
Dr. Anna Janaszewska ()
MC member
Working Groups 2 and 3
Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, Department of General Biophysics
University of Lodz
Lodz, Poland
http://biol.uni.lodz.pl
The main research fields of the Department of General Biophysics are studies on interactions between different types of nanoparticles with nucleic acids, proteins, biological membranes and studies related to characterization, cytotoxicity and cellular localization of nanoparticles. Our scientific interests also cover applications of nanoparticles in medicine, esp. as carriers of anticancer drugs, and antiamyloid agents in neurodegenerative disorders, delivery systems for siRNA, transfection and gene silencing agents.
Dr. Biol. Arturs Abols ()
MC member
Working Group 3
Cancer Research
Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Center
Riga, Latvia
http://biomed.lu.lv/en
Dr. Abols is developing new delivery particles for nucleic acids based on extracellular vesicles for targeting cancer cells. Currently available facilities that Dr. Abols have access are basic molecular biology laboratory, sequencing facilities, Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis, dPCR, cell culturing facilities including confocal microscope, ELISPOT analysis, live cell visualization system, BSL2 laminars and animal facilities including Spectrum In Vivo Imaging System, BSL2 level laminars.
Prof. Barbara Klajnert-Maculewicz ()
GH scientific representative, MC member
Working Group 3
Department of General Biophysics
University of Lodz
Lodz, Poland
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3459-8947/print
Prof. Barbara Klajnert-Maculewicz's group concentrates on using different nanosystems (especially dendrimers) as drug carriers in cancer therapies. We are studying complexes with photosensitizers used in photodynamic therapy, complexes with nucleotide analogues, and conjugates with anticancer drugs and monoclonal antibody. We possess cell culture laboratory with access to flow cytometer and confocal microscope, and biophysical laboratory equipped with spectrofluorimeters, CD spectrometer, zeta-sizer).
Prof. Beti Andonovic ()
MC member
Working Groups 1 and 2
Department of Chemical and Control Engineering, Faculty of Metallurgy
University St. Cyril and Methodius
Skopje, Macedonia
http://www.tmf.ukim.edu.mk/
Prof. Andonovic's group is currrently working on the structural characterization of graphene and multiwall carbon nanotubes.
Prof. Biljana Spremo-Potparevic ()
MC member
Working Group 3
Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pathobiology, Center of Biological Research
University of Belgrade
Belgrade, Serbia
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Biljana_Spremo-Potparevic
The contribution of our research group would be the study of the toxicity of nanomaterials: metal based, carbon based and other (dendrimers) nanometherials. Chemical reactivity of nanomaterials can result in increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), including free radicals. ROS and free radical production is one of the primary mechanisms of nanoparticle toxicity; it may result in oxidative stress, inflammation, and consequent damage to proteins, membranes and DNA.
Dr. Carla Cruz ()
MC member
Working Group 2
Biopharmaceuticals and Biomaterials group/Health Sciences Research Centre
University of Beira Interior
Covilhã, Portugal
https://gquadruplex.wixsite.com/ccruz
Current research strictly related to the action aims and goals: Carla Cruz lab is developing novel nanocarriers with therapeutic effects in HPV life cycle and oncogenesis. The nanocarrier is based on G-quadruplex (G4)-forming DNA conjugated to nanoparticles that functions as an aptamer of nucleolin aiming at efficiently delivering cargoes with therapeutic effect against high risk HPVs replication and oncogenesis. Currently available facilities at Carla Cruz lab are access to organic synthesis, NMR spectrometers, circular dichroism, SPR-biosensor, dynamic light scattering, FRET melting, fluorescence spectroscopy, confocal microscopy, cell culture rooms, western blot, qPCR, flow cytometry and ÄKTA™ Chromatography Systems.
Dr. Cecile Arbez-Gindre ()
MC member
Working Groups 1 and 2
Laboratory of Organic and Organometallic Chemistry (OMG)
Institute of Biology, Medicinal Chemistry & Biotechnology (IBMCB)
Athens, Greece
http://www.eie.gr/nhrf/institutes/iopc/cvs/cv-arbez-gindre-en.html
The OMG group has recently started developing efficient synthetic methodology to prepare polyhydroxy or glycodendron/ dendrimers, that represent promising molecular tool with sensing, imaging and biomedical applications. Currently available facilities are access to are access to HR-MS, NMR (300 & 600MHz) and to non-conventional techniques (microwave&ultrasound) for the efficient synthesis and subsequent scale-up of preparation of dendritic polymers with oligosaccharide architectures.
Prof. Christakis Damianou ()
MC member
Working Groups 3 and 4
Therapeutic Ultrasound
Cyprus University of technology
Cyprus
https://www.ous-research.no/sandvig/
Prof. Damianou's research focuses on the use of pulsed focused ultrasound to open the Blood brain barrier and push nanodrugs to the brain for cancer treatment.
Prof. David K. Smith ()
MC member
Working Groups 1, 2 and 3
Department of Chemistry
University of York
York, United Kingdom
https://www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/staff/academic/o-s/dsmith/
Prof. Smith's group is interested in the self-assembly of nanostructured gels for the delivery of anticancer drugs and of nanostructured delivery vehicles for siRNA or active anticancer drugs. The laboratory activity includes molecular-scale synthesis and the self-assembly of the resulting systems into nanomaterials for biomedical interventions, combined with the use of wide-ranging analytical methods to probe their behaviour in vitro.
Dr. David Duday ()
MC member
Working Groups 1 and 2
Department of Material Research and Technology
Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology
Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
https://www.list.lu/en/mrt
Dr. Duday’s group is developing new nanomedicines for targeting bone cancer. The laboratory activity includes synthesis, up-scaling of production and chemico-physical characterization. Currently available facilities at Dr Duday’s lab are access to several experimental tools including flow colloidal synthesis at lab- and pilot scale, flow nano-milling, SAXS, NMR, XRD, LCMS, XPS, SIMS and SEM.
Prof. Dietmar Appelhans ()
MC member
Working Groups 1 and 2
Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry; Department of Bio-active and Responsive Polymers
Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V. (IPF Dresden)
Dresden, Germany
https://www.ipfdd.de/index.php?id=683&type=0&L=0
Dr. Appelhans´ group carries out the design, synthesis and deep physical-chemical characterization of multifunctional, bioactive and responsive polymer structures and associates for use in nanomedicine. This work comprises especially dendritic polymers with special emphasize on glycodendrimers, but also responsive polymersomes and nanocapsules as well as multicompartment structures for drug delivery as well as cell mimics.
Dr. Dominika Wrobel ()
MC member
Working Groups 2 and 3
Department of Biology
Jan Evangelista Purkyne University
Ústí nad Labem, Czech Republic
http://biology.ujep.cz/
Research at the Department of Biology concerns two main topics: i) investigating new nanoparticles for drug delivery systems which can be use in anticancer therapies; ii) constructing microfluidic devices for cancer cells detection. The laboratory activity includes chemicophysical andbiological characterization of nanoparticles and design and optymalization of microfluidic devices. Currently available facilities at our chemicophysical laboratory include micro isothermal titration calorimetry (microITC), micro differential scanning calorimetry (microDSC), circular dichroism spectrometer (CD), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), spectrofluorimeter and nanosizer. In the microfluidic laboratory we possess photolithograph, micro-abrasive blasting system, PlasmaEtch, high temperatures oven and electron microscope. For biological characterization we use fully equipped cell laboratory (cell sorter, flow cytometry, PCR, electrophoretic methods and confocal microscopy). In our laboratory we also provide study on animal model - zebra fish.
Prof. Eleni K. Efthimiadou ()
MC member
Working Groups 1 and 2
Laboratory of Bio-Inorganic Chemistry,
Department of Chemistry and Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, NCSR D
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and
National Center of Scientific Research
Athens, Greece
https://inn.demokritos.gr/prosopiko/e.efthimiadou/
Prof. Efthimiadou group, is working on the domain of targeted drug delivery systems against cancer and cardiovascular diseases. These systems include inorganic and polymeric nanomaterials which are further modified with different targeting moieties like peptides and small molecules for potential theranostic applications. Her lab is sufficiently facilitated for characterization and in vitro/in vivo evaluation of nanomaterials.
Prof. Heikki Tenhu ()
MC member
Working Group 1
Department of Chemistry
University of Helsinki
Helsinki, Finland
https://www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/polymers
Prof. Tenhu's main research interests focus on synthesis and characterisation of amphiphilic responsive polymers, polymeric and hybrid nanoparticles.
Prof. Helder Almeida Santos ()
MC member
Working Groups 1 and 3
Laboratory of Nanomedicines and Biomedical Engineering
University of Helsinki
Helsinki, Finland
https://www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/nanomedicines-and-biomedical-engineering
Prof. Santos' research focus is in the use of biodegradable and biocompatible nanoporous silicon nanomaterials, polymers, and the application of microfluidics technology for nanoparticle production for simultaneous controlled drug delivery, diagnostic and therapy of cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, and further translation of these nanotechnologies into the clinic.
Prof. Helena Tomás ()
MC member
Working Groups 1 and 3
CQM – Centro de Química da Madeira
University of Madeira
Madeira, Portugal
https://cqm.uma.pt
Helena Tomás’s group is developing nanomaterials for the targeted delivery of drugs and nucleic acids, namely dendrimers, nanogels and clay-based nanomaterials. The labs of CQM-Centro de Química da Madeira are well equipped for chemical synthesis (including vacuum techniques) and materials characterization (NMR, MS, DLS, TRPS, SEM, contact angle, HPLC, GC, etc.), as well as for the in vitro biological evaluation of nanomaterials (cell culture lab, fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, etc.).
Prof. Hong Zhang ()
MC member
Working Groups 1 and 2
Faculty of Science
University of Amsterdam and CIOMP, CAS
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
http://hims.uva.nl/profile/z/h/h.zhang/h.zhang.html
Prof. Zhang’s group is focusing on developing novel nanoplatforms for labeling and imaging guided therapy. Typical example is the near infrared light upconversion nanomaterial based theranostic nanoplatforms aiming at optical imaging guided photodynamic therapy, radiotherapy and gen therapy. The lab is well equipped with state of art facilities for organic- and inorganic chemical synthesis, characterization, steady-state and time–resolved spectroscopic studies.
Prof. Ivaylo Dimitrov ()
MC member
Working Groups 1 and 2
Polymerization Processes
Institute of Polymers – Bulgarian Academy of Sciences
Sofia, Bulgaria
http://www.polymer.bas.bg
Prof. Dimitrov’s group is developing novel multifunctional polymer-based nanocarriers for targeted anticancer drug and DNA delivery. The group’s activities include rational design and controlled synthesis of functional block copolymers; self-association, drug loading and nanocarriers’ physico-chemical characterization. The group has access to a combined SEC/MALS apparatus, SLS, DLS, AFM, NMR, SEM, TEM and routine analysis equipment.
Prof. Ivo Grabchev ()
MC member
Working Groups 1 and 2
Faculty of Medicine, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Physiology and Pathophysiology
University of Sofia
Sofia, Bulgaria
https://www.uni-sofia.bg/index.php/bul/universitet_t/fakulteti/medicinski_fakultet2/struktura/katedri/himiya_i_biohimiya_fiziologiya_i_patofiziologiya
Prof. Grabchev's group is focused on the synthesis and characterization of new compounds with biomedical activity. His laboratory is equipped with technique for organic synthesis and photophysical characterization of organic products.
Prof. Janos Szebeni ()
MC member
Working Groups 1 and 2
Nanomedicine Research and Education Center
SeroScience Ltd and Semmelweis University
Budapest, Hungary
www.seroscience.com
Prof. Szebeni's team is running immune toxicological (safety) assays for nanodrug candidates. These include in vitro and in vivo evaluation of the immunogenicity and acute immune reactivity of nano-biopharmaceuticals. The group has access to wet labs and small and large animal operation rooms at Semmelweis University and the Animal Breeding and Nutrition Research Institute at Herceghalom, HU.
Prof. Joanna Wietrzyk ()
MC member
Working Groups 3 and 4
Laboratory of Experimental Anticancer Therapy, Department of Experimental Oncology
Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy
Wrocław, Poland
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4980-6606
The group of prof. Wietrzyk is working on the anticancer (antimetastatic, antiangiogenic) activity of compounds using in vitro and in vivo models. We possessed cell culture laboratory fully equipped for molecular biology studies and animal facility with devices for ultrasound, X-ray, fluorescence and luminescence imaging
Prof. Jorn B. Christensen (
MC member
Working Groups 1 and 2
Department of Chemistry
University of Copehangen
Copenhagen, Denmark
https://forskning.ku.dk/find-en-forsker/?pure=da/persons/98275
Prof. Christensen's group is developing new nanomedicines for photodynamic therapy of cancer and scalable procedures for the synthesis of dendrimers with full bact-to-batch reproducibility. The laboratory activity includes nanomedicine design, synthesis and chemico-physical characterization. Currently available facilities at Prof. Christensens's lab are access to chemical reactors, SEC-MALS and several experimental tools including NMR and different types of MS.
Dr. Katarina Kozics ()
MC member
Working Group 3
Laboratory of Nanobiology
Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center
Bratislava, Slovakia
http://www.biomedcentrum.sav.sk/research-departments/department-of-nanobiology/?lang=en
In a spotlight of our research is characterize behavior of inorganic nanomaterials in biological environment as well as nano:bio interactions with cells, tissues and organs. Given the lack of information about the fate of NPs following their therapeutic or diagnostic application we aim to understand their impact on living organisms and investigate their potential harmful acute as well as long-term effects.
Prof. Kirsten Sandvig ()
MC member
Working Group 3
Department of Molecular Cell Biology
Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, and University of Oslo
Oslo, Norway
https://www.ous-research.no/sandvig/
Prof. Sandvig's group is developing and testing new nanomedicines for targeting cancer. The laboratory activity includes studies of nanoparticle entry into cells, intracellular transport of the particles, and death mechanisms induced by nanoparticles both with and without drugs. The effect of particles and drugs on tumor models in mice is studies in collaboration with the neighboring group of Prof. G. Mælandsmo.
Dr. Ling Peng ()
MC member
Working Groups 1, 2, 3 and 4
Centre Interdisciplinaire de Nanoscience de Marseille (CINaM)
CNRS, Aix-Marseille University
Marseille, France
https://www.cinam.univ-mrs.fr/cinam/team/immf/equipe-peng/#presentation
Dr PENG’s group is developing innovative supramolecular dendrimer nanosystems for the delivery of anticancer drug, nucleic acid therapeutics and imaging agent. The laboratory activity includes design, synthesis, physico-chemical characterization and biological evaluation of the established nanosystems for cancer diagnosis and treattment.
Currently available facilities at Dr PENG’s lab are access to dendrimer synthesis and characterization using NMR, MS, IR, HPLC, DLS, TEM etc.
Dr. Marija Vukomanovic ()
MC member
Working Groups 1 and 2
Biomaterials group, Advanced Materials Department
Jozef Stefan Institute
Ljubljana, Slovenia
http://www-k9.ijs.si/about-us/researches/ddr-marija-vukomanovi
Biomaterials group, led by Dr. Marija Vukomanovic, works in synthesis and characterization of nanoparticles for biological applications including magnetic nanoparticles based on ferrites with various dopants. They are also designing drug delivery systems based on polymeric nanostructures and films as well as composites with functionalized gold. The expertise of the groups includes physicochemical characterization, in vitro stability, antimicrobial and cytocompatibility testing.
Dr. Mariángeles Muñoz-Fernández ()
MC member
Working Group 3
Department of Immunology
Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón
Madrid, Spain
Hospital Maranon
Dr. Muñoz-Fernández’s group is interested in studying the role that tumor-associated macrophages play in the development of cancer as well as in the role that the immune system plays to limit tumor progression and metastasis.
Dr. Mariastefania Antica ()
MC member
Working Groups 3 and 4
Antica Group, Division of Molecular Biology
Ruđer Bošković Institute
Zagreb, Croatia
https://www.irb.hr/eng/People/Mariastefania-Antica
Prof. Antica’s group is developing new protocols for adult epithelial stem cell isolation and characterization for thymus regeneration. In vitro methods include a 3dimensional organization of the thymus organ in vitro. The laboratory activity includes flow cytometry and cell sorting , cell cultures and biobanking. Currently available facilities are a FACSCalibur flow cytometer, a SONYSP6800 cell sorter, microscopes, cell culture, and molecular biology facilities.
Dr. Marin Gheorghe ()
MC member
Working Group 2
R&D
NANOM MEMS srl
Brașov, Romania
http://www.nanom-mems.com/
Dr. Gheorghe’s group is developing BioMEMS type devices (biochips), convergent technologies, functional (bio)materials, etc.
Prof. Michael Malkoch ()
MC member
Working Groups 1 and 2
Department of Fibre and Polymer Technology, Division of Coating Technology
KTH Royal Institute of Technology
Stockholm, Sweden
https://www.kth.se/fpt/coating-technology/staff/professor-michael-malkoch-1.19897
Prof. Malkoch’s group is developing new precision carriers for use as nanomedicines to target cancer. The laboratory activity includes i) robust chemistries to precision polymeric carriers; ii) nanomedicine formulation including cargo of cancer drugs, targeting agents and diagnostic markers; iii) characterization of the polymers and nanomedicines including structure and size, loading efficiency, degradability etc. and iv) in vitro evaluation against human and cancer cells. Currently available facilities at Prof. Malkoch’s lab have access to over 150 instruments including MALDI-TOF, NMR, SEC, DLS, SEM, TEM etc.
Dr. Monika Sramkova ()
MC member
Working Group 3
Department of Nanobiology
Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center SAS
Bratislava, Slovakia
http://www.biomedcentrum.sav.sk/research-departments/department-of-nanobiology/?lang=en
Current research in our department is focused on the detailed characterization of nano:bio interactions in in vitro and in vivo conditions, mainly from the nanotoxicological point of view. In addition to traditional static dish culture system, more relevant models such as 3D cell cultures, co-culture of two or more cell types, or introduction of dynamic flow are utilized. The main target organ to study the potential toxic effect of nanoparticles is a kidney, as renal toxicity represents one of the main obstacles during drug development.
Dr. Nanasaheb Thorat ()
MC member
Working Groups 1 and 3
MOSAIC (Modelling, Simulation and Innovative Characterisation) Team
University of Limerick
Limerick, Ireland
http://mosaicteam.eu/
Dr. Thorat's group is developing new multifunctional hybrid nanostructures for targeting breast, colon and brain cancer. The laboratory activity includes in vitro and in vivo nanomedicine design, synthesis and chemico-physical characterization. Currently available facilities at Thorat's lab are access to physical characterization techniques such as TEM, XPS, XRD, AFM, and others. Lab is faciliated with all state of the art bioimaging facilities and in vitro cell culture laboratory.
Dr. Nina Kostevšek ()
MC member
Working Groups 1 and 2
Department for nanostructured materials
Jozef Stefan Institute
Ljubljana, Slovenia
http://nano.ijs.si/
Dr. Kostevšek has expertise in the preparation of multifunctional nanoparticles for bioapplications such as magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic hyperthermia and photo-thermal therapy. Her research involves as well formation of smart drug nanocarriers made of SiO2, biopolymers (chitosan, gelatine, etc.) and stimuli-responsive liposomes. Advanced electron microscopy, laser experiments, magnetic measurements, etc. are frequently used in their lab.
Prof. Nissim Garti ()
MC member
Working Group 2
Casali Institute of Applied Chemistry
Department of Chemistry, Nano Technology Center
Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Jerusalem, Israel
http://chem.ch.huji.ac.il/garti/
Prof. Garti's group is designing and constructing novel nano architectures or nano molecular engineered structures as drug delivery vehicles for generic and innovative drugs with poor bioavalability. The technology is amined to form nano domains, spontaneously self assembled, thermodynamically stable with very large loading capacities. The laboratory activity includes computer-assisted nanostructures design, modeling via Monte Carlo Dynamic Simulations structures tailor made for specific anti cancer drugs. Preparation of the nanodomains and study their chemico-physical characterization.Currently available facilities at Prof. Garti’s lab are several advanced analytical tools experimental tools including Sub zero DSC, PGSE-NMR, Cryo-TEM and SAXS.
Dr. Oleksii Morozov ()
MC member
Working Groups 2 and 3
Computing systems for signal and image processing
HighDim GmbH
Riehen, Switzerland
http://highdim.swiss
HighDim GmbH is developing innovative computing systems for high-performance image processing/analysis based on application-specific embedded hardware, Computer Vision and Machine Learning technologies, with a particular application to imaging tasks arising from characterisation and preclinical/clinical studies of nanodrugs.
Dr. Oliviero Gobbo ()
MC member
Working Group 3
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Trinity College Dublin
Dublin, Ireland
https://pharmacy.tcd.ie/staff/gobbo-cv.php
Oliviero Gobbo’s current research interests lie in the fields of cancer and neuroscience, particularly in improving therapeutic delivery into the brain using nanoparticles. He has also a specific interest in the emerging area of theranostics using Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles. He has access to numerous facilities and instrumentation including a pre-clinical MRI scanner, NMR, Xray diffractometers, Mass Spectrometry System, transmission electron microscope and Confocal Microscopy & Flow Cytometry Laboratories.
Dr. Pavla Bojarova ()
MC member
Working Group 1
Laboratory oif Biotransformation, Institute of Microbiology
Czech Academy of Science
Prague, Czech Republic
http://www.biotrans.cas.cz/staff/pavla-bojarova.html
Our group is developing specific cerbohydrate glycomimetics and ligands for detection, targeting, and inhibition of galectins overpoduced in many types of cancer. We are focused on carbohydrate chemistry and biochemistry, in vitro assays of galectin binding (ELISA, SPR) and inhibition studies in cancer cell lines. Our compounds may be conjugated to a range of biomaterials by means of amide or click chemistry.
Dr. Romana Masnikosa ()
MC member
Working Group 2
Department of Physical Chemistry
Institute of Nuclear Sciences - Vinča, University of Belgrade
Belgrade, Serbia
https://vin.bg.ac.rs/
Dr. Masnikosa's group is developing new metallocomplexes for targeting human cancer. The laboratory activity includes computer-assisted drug design, synthesis and chemico-physical characterization. Since very recently Dr Masnikosa started a collaboration with dr Božana Čolović's group that synthesizes nanomaterials for tissue repair (bone and neuronal). Currently available facilities at Dr. Masnikosa's Institute are access to several experimental tools including spectrophotometers, FT-IR, HPLC-ESI-MS, ICP-OES, AFM, SEM, TEM.
Prof. Ruth Prassl ()
MC member
Working Groups 2 and 3
Laboratory of Nanomedicine, Division of Biophysics
Gottfried Schatz Research Center
Medical University of Graz
Graz, Austria
https://biophysik.medunigraz.at/forschung/nanomedicine/
Prof. Prassl’s group is developing lipid-based nanomedicines for targeted drug delivery and imaging. The laboratory activities comprise nanoparticle synthesis, advanced physicochemical characterization and in vitro testing. Currently available techniques include DLS, PCS, NTA, DSC, EPR, CD, SEM, TEM, AFM and SAXS. Nanoparticle preparation techniques like microfluidics, extrusion, sonication, TLC, SEC and electrophoreses are used.
Dr. Sanda Boca-Farcau ()
MC member
Working Groups 1 and 2
Center for Nanobiophotonics and Laser Microspectroscopy (CNLM)
Interdisciplinary Research Institute on Bio-Nano-Sciences
Babes-Bolyai University
Cluj-Napoca, Romania
http://nano.uphero.com/en/member/Sanda_Boca
Current research at Dr. Boca-Farcau's gropu includes chemical synthesis of noble metal nanoparticles, conjugation of
nanoparticles with bio(macro)molecules, physical-chemical characterization of nanoparticles, and biomedical applications of noble metal nanoparticles for plasmonic hyperthermia, cancer imaging and therapy (in vitro/in vivo),
and blood disorders.
Currently available facilities at CNLM include chemical synthesis laboratory, optical spectrophotometers, DLS, metal film deposition system, home-made convective self-assembly setup, confocal Raman microscope, portable Raman
system, and fluorescence lifetime imaging.
Dr. Sena Nomak ()
MC member
Working Groups 3 and 4
RS Research Inc.
Pendik/İstanbul, Turkey
https://rsresearch.net/
RS Research is a pharmaceutical company developing next generation nanomedicines based on innovative drug delivery platforms for targeted cancer therapy.
Dr. Sharon Garti Levy ()
MC member
Working Groups 1 and 2
R& D labs on Drug Delivery
Lyotropic Delivery Systems (LDS) Ltd.
Jerusalem, Israel
https://www.lds-biotech.com/
Dr Sharon Levy is the CTO and vice president of R&D of a company dealing with drug delivery of bioactives to eyes, skin, and guts. The company use advanced analytical tools and unique mathematical models.
Prof. Sinisa Ristic ()
MC member
Working Groups 3 and 4
Departiment of Phisiology
Univeristy of Sarajevo
Sarajevo, Bosina and Herzigovina
Dr. Ristic's research deals with imaging diagnostic and physiology in oncology.
Prof. Stefaan De Smedt ()
MC member
Working Groups 1, 2, 3 and 4
The Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy
Ghent Research Group on Nanomedicines
Ghent University
Ghent, Belgium
https://www.ugent.be/fw/pharmaceutics/biochemphypharm/en
This lab is involved in mostly pre-clinical research on nanomedicines and intracellular delivery. More specifically, research focuses on the development of nanoscopic carriers to improve targeted intracellular delivery of biopharmaceutics, especially nucleic acids (siRNA, µRNA, mRNA, pDNA). In a number of projects also physical delivery methods are explored, including the use of ultrasound and photostimulation. Furthermore, special expertise is available on methodologies, often based on advanced microscopy, to study the biophysical behavior of nanomedicines in the relevant biological environment, such as monitoring their stability in extracellular fluids or investigating their intracellular processing. In terms of applications, there is an emphasis on pulmonary delivery, intraocular delivery, subcutaneous delivery and intraperitoneal administration.
Prof. Susana Cristobal ()
MC member
Working Groups 1 and 3
Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine
Linköping University
Linköping, Sweden
https://liu.se/en/employee/suscr96
Prof. Cristobal 's lab has developed a proteomic-based method to characterize the surface of the nanoparticle protein corona. This method simplifies the understanding of the interaction between nanodrugs and cells, and it is applicable for rapid prototyping of novel nanodrugs. Other applications include: characterization of nanodrugs from administration to target, applications to nanodrug-patient suitability, design of nanodrug-protein corona.
Prof. Sylvestre Bonnet ()
MC member
Working Group 2
Leiden Institute of Chemistry
Leiden University
Leiden, The Netherlands
http://mcbim.lic.leidenuniv.nl
Dr. Bonnet's group is developing new nanomedicines and design of upconverting nanosystem, their preparation, and their chemico-physical characterization (e.g. up conversion quantum yield measurements). Currently available facilities at Dr. Bonnet's lab are access to liposome preparation apparatus, tools to characterise up conversion nanoparticles and liposomes, and a special setup to shine visible light on living cells under controlled atmosphere (CO2, O2, humidity).
Prof. Tambet Teesalu ()
MC member
Working Groups 1, 2 and 3
Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine
Faculty of Medicine, University of Tartu
Tartu, Estonia
https://www.cancerbiology.ee/
Prof. Teesalu’s group is developing precision-guided nanomedicines for targeting solid tumors. The laboratory activity includes identification of tumor homing peptides using in vivo peptide phage display for nanocomposite targeting, synthesis and chemico-physical characterization of nanoparticles, and in vivo biodistribution, imaging, and experimental therapy studies . Currently available facilities at Prof. Teesalu’s lab are access to advanced imaging systems (IVIS Spectrum In Vivo Imaging System, Olympus Multiphoton imaging system, confocal microscope, Bruker 9,4T MRI system), access to the state of the art animal facility, high-throughput DNA sequencing systems and custom bioinformatics tools for next generation peptide phage biopanning.
Prof. Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos ()
MC member
Working Groups 1 and 2
Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering
University of Cyprus
Nicosia, Cyprus
http://www.ucy.ac.cy/cancer_biophysics/en
Prof. Stylianopoulos’ group is focused on optimizing the delivery of nanomedicines to solid tumors by reprogramming the tumor micro-environment.
Prof. Valentin Ceña ()
MC substitute member
Working Group 3
Unidad Asociada Neurodeath
University of Castilla-La Mancha
Ciudad Real, Spain
https://www.uclm.es/home
Prof. Ceña's group is working on the interaction nanoparticle/siRNA in 2 main areas of research: use of nanoparticle-delivered siRNA for cancer therapeutics and the use of nanoparticles and siRNA as possible therapy in neurodegenerative diseases (mainly focussed on Alzheimer disease and multiple sclerosis). The group has a lot of experience in different cellular (single cell imaging, electrophysiology, apoptosis, immun histochemistry, etc.) and molecular (RT-PCR, DNA and RNA extraction and sequencing, etc.) as well as in animal models of disease.
Dr. Verica Pavlic ()
MC member
Working Groups 1 and 3
Laboratory of Periodontology and Oral Medicine
Institute of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine
University of Banja Luka
Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
http://www.unibl.org/en/members/faculties/faculty-of-medicine
Prof. Verica Pavlic is particularly interested in understanding and developing a new treatment modalities for oral carcinomas.
Dr. Ýrr Mørch ()
MC member
Working Groups 1 and 2
Department of Biotechnology and Nanomedicine
SINTEF
Trondheim, Norway
https://www.sintef.no/en/nanomedicine/
Dr. Mørch and colleagues is developing novel drug delivery platforms for cancer treatment and diagnosis. Through numerous international and national research projects within academia and industry, SINTEF has gained extensive experience in the production of nanoparticles (80-250 nm) for drug encapsulation and targeted drug delivery. The particles are composed of biodegradable and biocompatible polymers and lipids, and their degradation rate may be tailored to the specific application, ranging from hours to days. The particles may be coated with a hydrophilic layer to increase blood circulation time and/or targeted to specific biomarkers to achieve active targeting to specific cells. Further, SINTEF offers advanced characterization of nanomedicines for drug delivery and imaging ranging from advanced physico-chemical characterization to in vitro and in vivo toxicity and efficacy. SINTEF is a core partner in EUNCL, the European Nanomedicine Characterization Laboratory.
