The NANOBIOFUN project brings together expertises from 8 research centers in physics, chemistry and biology to address the development of innovative methods of molecular sensing, imaging, diagnostic and therapy in biological systems by combining the unique physical properties of noble-metal nanoparticles (nps) with their chemical specificity and easy way of biofunctionalization.

            Key scientific elements of the project are (1) to provide a biological function (cell targeting) to an artificial nano-object in order to tackle a specific biological issue, and (2) to fabricate tailored nano-objects able to transfer / induce a physical signal (light or electric current) to a biological entity (biomolecule and cell) in order to probe its structure and properties in a controlled manner. Specifically, the project addresses the development of plasmon-resonant nps as new optical labels for biological molecules, membrane and cells as well as multifunctional agents for cancer diagnostic and therapy.

            The project will target the fabrication of gold nps and hybrid metal/polymer/silica/ structures of specific shape, size (2-200 nm) and desired optical properties and realize their conjugation with relevant (bio)molecules / proteins / dna / biopolymers. As a major result of this project will to demonstrate an original approach in cancer therapy given by the ability of gold nanoparticles to mediate hyperthermia induction to kill cancer cells upon laser irradiation, thereby functioning as selective thermal nano-scalpels.

            The project will contribute on the investigation of biological effects of bioconjugated gold nanoparticles on various normal and tumor cells cultures.an important outcome of this project will be the production of cost effective, ultra sensitive, reproducible and stable nanostructured substrates for surface-enhanced spectroscopy and electrochemical sensors.

            Besides the scientific goals, training and education will be also key results of the project.