Institute of Physics
Topic
Engineering Trojan Hybrids for Targeted Photothermal Therapy of Recurrent Glioblastoma: Synthesis, Characterization, and Interaction Studies
PhD. program
Quantum Electronics, Optics and Optical Spectroscopy
Year of admission
2025
Name of the supervisor
Mgr. Adriana Hvizdošová Annušová, PhD.
Contact:
Receiving school
Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics
Annotation
Glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive types of cancer. Recurrence after initial eradication is extremely high, with tumors reappearing locally with increased resistance to treatment. Locally delivered photothermal therapy enables tumor destruction without drugs, using heat, thereby bypassing the heterogeneity of glioblastoma, limitations of the blood-brain barrier, and conventional drug resistance mechanisms, while also not affecting surrounding healthy tissues. Implantable or injectable hydrogel matrices are able to transport therapeutic vectors to the tumor site and release them upon stimuli. The aim of this PhD thesis is to develop (i) functional "Trojan horse" hydrogels with embedded photothermal nanoparticle conjugates, (ii) verified in vitro, and (iii) supplemented with state-of-the-art structural and chemical mapping at the nano-level. pH-responsive functional photothermal MoOx nanoparticles will be conjugated with tumor-targeting RGD peptides and embedded in polymer matrices based on poly(2-oxazoline) (non-toxic, biodegradable) and tulipalin A (from biological sources). The nanoconjugate-hydrogel structures and in vitro samples will be subjected to studies using near-field nanoscopy, force spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and confocal Raman microscopy to characterize phenomena at the nano-level. The candidate will acquire expertise in the construction of nanoparticles and conjugates, their detailed characterization (physical, chemical, biological), and advanced microscopy techniques. 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.hvizdosova.annusova@savba.sk