On the frontiers of nanomedicine: nanoscopy of nano-bio interactions

Photothermal therapy triggered by irradiation of bioconjugated nanomaterials can offer a breakthrough solution in the currently available cancer therapies. Up until now nanomedicine-oriented works lacked detailed nanoscale investigations of conjugates’ binding dynamics, self-assembled structures, composition and organization of proteins, nanoparticle-protein complexes, and the nanoimaging of phototherapy induced changes in molecular bonds and nano-bio assemblies. This work encompasses the study of the properties and activity of MoOx and MXene-based nano-bio conjugates on a fundamental nano-level, in order to understand particular phenomena, including their interaction with cells. The candidate will master nanoparticle and conjugate design and their in-depth characterization (physical, chemical, biological). Advanced microscopy techniques will be used, such as Confocal Raman Microscopy, AFM Force Spectroscopy, correlative CRM-AFM and near field scanning optical imaging. This proposed topic allows the candidate to extend his/her knowledge through original research and critical analysis. The work will be realized at the Institute of Physics, Slovak Academy of Sciences. For detailed information, please contact: adriana.annusova@savba.sk

Literature:

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• Lamprecht, C. et al., Biomedical Sensing with the Atomic Force Microscope, in Bhushan B. (eds) Nanotribology and Nanomechanics. 135–173 (Springer, 2017)