Theranostic nanodevices with dosimetric properties for medical physics applications

Abstract

Nanoscience and nanotechnology are areas of great and still increasing interest in the last years. Hybrid nanoparticles are now attracting more and more investigation interest since they present peculiar optical features such as enhanced photoluminescence quantum yields. In Medical Physics, these nanoparticles are essential for the development of advanced radiation detectors, besides applications on new cancer therapies such as plasmonic photothermal therapy and x-ray activated photodynamic therapy. The physical properties of these nanodevices can be adjusted according to the composition, structure, shape and size of the nanoparticles. Therefore, the challenge is to engineer the nanoparticle with specific properties for each application. The main goal of this proposal is the development of new hybrid nanoparticles, to perform structural and morphological characterization as well as surface modification and functionalization, in order to investigate their optical, luminescent, and dosimetric properties. These nanoparticles will be applied for ionizing radiation detection as well as in the development of new cancer therapeutics, thereby contributing to the advancement of the medical physics research field. (AU)