Phthalocyanine-based polymers: effect of various spacers on nanomaterials characteristics and PDT in vitro and in vivo efficiency

TUNCEL KOSTAKOĞLU S. (Yürütücü), DUMOULIN F.

TÜBİTAK Uluslararası İkili İşbirliği Projesi, 2513 - Slovakya Bilimler Akademisi (SAS) İkili İşbirliği Programı, 2026 - 2029

Proje Türü: TÜBİTAK Uluslararası İkili İşbirliği Projesi
Destek Programı: 2513 - Slovakya Bilimler Akademisi (SAS) İkili İşbirliği Programı
Başlama Tarihi: Mayıs 2026
Bitiş Tarihi: Mayıs 2029

Proje Özeti

The Pc-Pols project focuses on the development, characterization and biological assessment of novel phthalocyanine (Pc)-based polymers (Pols), designed to exhibit improved properties and efficiency as photosensitizers (PSs) for photodynamic therapy (PDT). While PDT is now acknowledged as a valuable alternative to other cancer treatments, much research is still needed to produce more efficient photosensitizing systems. The scientific excellence of the Pc-Pols project lies in the original design of the targeted polymers, that combines several desired features: 1) high singlet oxygen generation thanks to Zn(II) Pc cores, 2) tumor targeting thanks to the enhanced permeation and retention (EPR) effect exhibited by nanoparticles, 3) high PS loading thank to the polymeric structure, 4) an innovative nanoengineering aspect as a detailed study of the effect of structural and experimental variations will be performed, 5) a thorough and detailed biological evaluation with in vitro and in vivo tests on the especially attractive avian chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) preclinical model, together with cell signaling and biophysical studies. The methodology has been conceived to maximize the impact of the project, with sequential delivery of the Pc-Pols synthesized by the Turkish partner to the Slovak partner. The project shall be managed smoothly thanks to well-devised work packages and a carefully considered risk analysis and mitigation. A strong and last-longing collaboration will be established between the two partners having complementary expertise (Pc design and chemistry, nanoengineering and photoproperties analysis for the Turkish partner, and PDT, in vitro and in vivo CAM experiments for the Slovak partner), which is a unique opportunity to achieve the planned works. The impact will be multiple, with scientific outcomes of interest for the related scientific communities hence publications in high impact Q1 journals, valuable opportunities of the project students (to be recruited) to acquire international experience and solid scientific background, together with the chance to induce significant and original progresses on cancer treatment and lower its worldwide burden.