Monocytes loaded with magneto-opto-acoustic nanodevices, as Trojan Horse cancer theranostic agents

ongoing

Nanoparticles are gaining increased biomedical relevance in cancer applications due to their theranostic capacity by integrating in a single entity imaging contrast in different biomedical techniques and local therapeutic action. However, current theranostic nanostructures suffer from limited contrast intensity, reduced imaging and therapy depth, and poor circulation time and penetration into solid tumors. To overcome such limitations, novel magneto-opto-acoustic nanodevices (MOANs) loaded into monocytes, as Trojan Horses, are proposed in this project. The MOANs will be composed of mechanically resonant micro/nano-plates with resonance in the ultrasound biomedical window (1-10 MHz), merging magnetostrictive and photothermal bimetallic properties. As a result, alternating magnetic fields and intensity modulated near infrared light beams at the resonant frequency will turn MOANs into amplified ultrasound sources, as new contrast agents. Moreover, their magnetic/optical properties will combine photothermal and magneto-mechanical therapies. The MOANs loaded monocytes will enable the following in progress in Theranostics: i) enhanced circulation time and penetration in solid tumors given by the innate properties of monocytes, ii) amplified ultrasound contrast in superficial and deep tissues with lower intensity magnetic field or light intensity, and iii) efficient magneto-mechanical and photothermal local therapy inside tumors. To demonstrate the biomedical potential in vitro and in vitro, a new MOA scanning microscope and a compact MOA device will be developed. This project will allow me to deepen my multidisciplinary expertise in areas such as microfabrication, magneto/opto-mechanical effects, or in vitro and in vivo assays. Leveraging my existing experience in optical and magneto-optic device development and biofunctionalization techniques, the MOAN project will enable me achieving the scientific maturity necessary to pursue an independent research career.