Dual-Functional Nanoparticles for In Situ Nanothermometry and Thermo-Therapies: Advancing Precision Medicine

Our research group at CNRS (Montpellier, France) specializes in the design and synthesis of lanthanide-doped inorganic nanoparticles for high-precision nanothermometry, as well as dual-functional nano-objects that integrate both heating and temperature-sensing capabilities. These systems combine:

• Thermosensitive components (real-time temperature measurement via fluorescence spectroscopy).

• Thermal stimulation components (heating under magnetic or optical stimuli), enabling photothermal or magnetic hyperthermia.

This dual functionality allows for simultaneous heating and temperature monitoring in biological environments, providing unprecedented control over thermal processes at the nanoscale. Our expertise includes:

• Synthesis and functionalization of nanoparticles optimized for thermal responses in biological media.

• Development of in situ measurement setups under magnetic or optical stimulation.

• Analysis of heat transfer in biological tissues, with applications in thermal mapping for diagnostics and thermo-therapies (e.g., cancer treatment via localized hyperthermia).

We have a strong track record in European collaborative projects, including the recent QUPID project, and are seeking partners to further explore the potential of these technologies in precision medicine and nanomedicine.

Role in the Consortium:

• Development of dual-functional nanoparticles (lanthanide-doped + magneto/photothermal).

• Design and implementation of in situ measurement protocols using fluorescence spectroscopy and thermal stimulation.

• Characterization of heat transfer dynamics in biological environments.

• Coordination of experimental validation for nanothermometry and thermo-therapies in preclinical models.

Type of Partners Sought:

We are looking for European partners with complementary expertise in the following areas:

• Biomedical and oncology researchers: To validate applications in thermal mapping and thermo-therapies (magnetic or photothermal) for cancer treatment or other therapeutic interventions.

• Biophysicists or bioengineers: To study heat transfer mechanisms in biological tissues and optimize thermal dosing for clinical applications.

• Computational modelers: To simulate nanoscale heat transfer and optimize nanoparticle designs for biomedical applications.

• Clinical researchers or medical device developers: To translate these technologies into preclinical or clinical demonstrators for therapeutic use.

• European project coordinators: To build a consortium under Horizon Europe calls, particularly in Cluster 1: Health, focusing on nanomedicine and precision therapies.

Collaboration Goal:

The objective is to develop an integrated platform that combines nanothermometry and thermo-therapies for precision medicine applications. We aim to advance preclinical validation of these technologies, with a focus on localized hyperthermia treatments and real-time thermal monitoring in biological systems. The ultimate goal is to contribute to high-impact research and collaborative publications, while exploring opportunities for joint funding applications under European programs.