Eco-friendly and bioinspired protein-based synthesis of magnetic nanomaterials for advanced cancer theranostics

The key goals of “ProteNano-MAG” are: (a) the training of a talented researcher, Dr. Lourdes Marcano, in the fast-growing field of science, technology and industrial applications of nanomedicine, where the host and partner institutions have critical knowledge and expertise; and, (b) the design, development and optimisation of eco-friendly synthesis routes using bioinspired simplified engineered proteins as templates for the preparation of magnetic nanoparticles for effective diagnosis and therapeutic intervention in cancer treatment. The interdisciplinary training program includes protein engineering, preparation of magnetic nanomaterials, characterization including sophisticated synchrotron-related techniques, in-vitro studies, magnetic resonance imaging and implementation for hyperthermia applications. The fellow is a talented researcher who has gained much expertise in biological synthesis mediated by magnetotactic bacteria (natural systems which are inspiration to “ProteNano-MAG”) and structural and magnetic characterization of single-domain magnetic nanoparticles during her undergraduate and postgraduate career. To further boost her career, she needs to gain expertise in alternative routes for the preparation of magnetic nanomaterials, design and characterization of recombinant simplified protein systems and state-of-the-art techniques such as space-resolved X-ray fluorescence and absorption spectroscopies, fields in which the CIC biomaGUNE and the two secondment’ co-hosts, the ESRF and the Universität Bayreuth, have a world-recognised expertise. Additionally, through the six-month placement at Resonant Circuits Ltd., the fellow will gain additional high-level training in magnetic hyperthermia for the medical/industrial application of the prepared magnetic nanoparticles. This multidisciplinary project will also increase her supervision experience, project and intellectual property management expertise, and research funding and proposal writing skills.