Scientists from Bulgaria, Slovakia, Serbia and the Czech Republic are joining forces in the SeNaTa project – “Self-heating magnetic nanoconstructs for theranostic applications”, coordinated by the Institute of Catalysis – BAS and headed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hristo Kolev. The aim is to develop innovative magnetic nanomaterials that can simultaneously diagnose and treat cancer.
Magnetic nanoparticles have the unique property to heat up when exposed to an alternating magnetic field. Thus, they can induce a local temperature rise in tumour tissue of up to 42-46 °C, a process called magnetic hyperthermia, which leads to the destruction of cancer cells. Additionally, by binding to radioactive isotopes, the nanoparticles acquire a diagnostic function becoming theranostic agents (combining therapy and diagnostics).
First results have already shown that cobalt-substituted magnetite is a particularly promising material – with improved magnetic and thermal properties, suitable for medical applications. These results have been published in international scientific journals and confirm the potential of the new approach.
The project includes synthesis, structural and surface characterization of nanoparticles by state-of-the-art methods (XPS, Mössbauer and EPR spectroscopy) as well as in vitro toxicity and biocompatibility tests. The work is expected to lead to effective multimodal therapies against cancer and strengthen scientific cooperation in the Danube region.
