Interaction between cells and magnetic nanoparticles for synergic magnetic and plasmonic-based hyperthermia studies
Internship Description
Workshop Description
It is known that promoting
nanoparticles uptake from cells could bring to several applications. Among
these application, two are based on the capability of nanostructured object to
produce heat. In fact, if the nanoparticles are magnetic and showing a non-null
hysteresis loop from room temperature to more than 45 degrees, they are able to
produce heat once put in an oscillating magnetic field of proper strength and
frequency. As well, a similar effect could be obtained irradiating gold
nanoparticles with light of proper wavelength. The main aim of this project is
then promoting the nanoparticles uptake from glioblastoma STEM cells, being the
glioblastoma the most aggressive brain tumor. To enhance the heating effect,
the cells will be treated with bot magnetic and gold nanoparticles, then
submitted to a concomitant alternative magnetic field and light irradiation, in
order to get a synergic response from the two heating nanopopulations. If possible,
also a control cell line (healthy astrocytes) will be submitted to the same
treatment to compare the nanoparticles uptake with that observed in the
glioblastoma STEM cells. The effect of the nanoparticles uptake will be
measured from a macroscopic point of view (i.e., by studying the possible
temperature increase) and the cell overall structure and ultrastructure will be
investigated, before and after the treatment with the nanoparticles, by both
confocal and electron microscopy imaging.
If successful, the student will be proposed to pursue this study in the
framework of a Kaust PhD course.
Deliverables/Expectations
Deliverables
At the end of the internship
the student is expected to know: the basics of cells culture, how to give them
the nanoparticles, how to measure the specific absorption rate of the sole
magnetic nanoparticles, the basics of cells preparation in view of light and
electron microscopy, the basics of light and electron microscopy cells imaging.
Twice per month the student will participate to a meeting with the PI
and his team, in order to show and discuss his/her progress in the research
project. Besides, at the end of the internship period, he/she will write a
short, referenced report about the results he/she will get.
Faculty Name
Andrea Falqui
Field of Study
Field Of Study