PRISMAP 5 - Karolina Zajdel

The PRISMAP (the European medical PRoduction of high-purity ISotopes by mass separation for Medical Applications) is a European research project focusing on the production and supply of high-purity radionuclides for medical applications. It aims to develop innovative methods for producing isotopes used in nuclear medicine, particularly for diagnostics and targeted radionuclide therapy.

By combining expertise from research institutions, hospitals, and industry, PRISMAP seeks to provide access to novel radionuclides, improve their availability, and establish advanced separation technologies to ensure the isotopes' purity and quality. This project supports cutting-edge medical research and the development of new therapeutic solutions for patients across Europe. Enabling research activities, concentrate on transport and shipping of the novel radionuclides within the network, the optimisation of ion sources, targets and enrichment techniques for medical radionuclide production, the data generation for translational research, and the development of radiolanthanides for use in clinical settings.

 

The Marvel of Advanced Radiolanthanides:
Next-Generation Radio-Optical Nanoparticles in Modern Nuclear Medicine

 

PRISMAP 5

KAROLINA ZAJDEL

Nuclear medicine is currently experiencing a surge of interest in theranostic strategies that combine diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities in one solution. Researchers are increasingly exploring innovative nanomaterials, which have unique properties that can improve treatment effectiveness and diagnostic accuracy. The main goal of this project is to develop and synthesize innovative nano-radiopharmaceuticals that integrate both diagnostic and therapeutic functions into a single nanoplatform. These tools will be based on a new generation of luminescent up-converting nanoparticles (UCNPs), radiolabeled with therapeutic radionuclides ytterbium-175 (¹⁷⁵Yb) and erbium-169 (¹⁶⁹Er). UCNPs are inorganic nanomaterials composed of matrices such as fluorides, oxides, or sulfides, co-doped with lanthanide ions. Their unique spectroscopic properties allow them to emit light in the visible (VIS) or ultraviolet (UV) spectrum when excited by near-infrared radiation (NIR), through a process known as up-conversion. UCNPs offer significant advantages for biomedical imaging, including reduced background fluorescence and deeper penetration into biological tissues. The project focuses on the radiolabeling of UCNPs with beta-emitting exotic radiolanthanides, ¹⁷⁵Yb and ¹⁶⁹Er, which are highly relevant to nuclear medicine. ¹⁷⁵Yb emits beta radiation effective for targeted cancer therapy and also releases gamma photons suitable for SPECT imaging. In contrast, ¹⁶⁹Er provides therapeutic benefits with minimal gamma emission, reducing radiation exposure to healthy tissues while delivering effective beta radiation to tumors. These radionuclides are ideal for precise, targeted cancer treatments, enabling personalized and less invasive medical interventions. This project represents a pioneering effort to develop novel theranostic tools by radiolabeling UCNPs with ¹⁷⁵Yb and ¹⁶⁹Er. The design and fabrication of biocompatible inorganic nanomaterials with both luminescent and radioactive properties could pave the way for the development of next generation radiopharmaceuticals for use in clinical, personalized nuclear medicine. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first global attempt to use these radionuclides in a theranostic context, showcasing their innovative potential.

PRISMAP 5 - Karolina Zajdel

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PRISMAP 5 - Karolina Zajdel


This project has received funding from the European Union Horizon 2020 research and innovation
programme under grant agreement No 857470 and from European Regional Development Fund
via Foundation for Polish Science International Research Agenda PLUS programme grant
No MAB PLUS/2018/8.
Poland
The project is co-financed from the state budget within the framework of the undertaking of the Minister of Science and Higher Education "Support for the activities of Centers of Excellence established under Horizon 2020".

Grant: 5 143 237,70 EUR
Total value: 29 971 365,00 EUR
Date of signing the funding agreement: December 2023

The purpose of the undertaking is to support entities of the higher education and science system that have received funding from the European Union budget in the competition H2020-WIDESPREAD-2018-2020/WIDESPREAD-01-2018-2019: Teaming Phase 2. in the preparation, implementation and updating of activities, maintenance of material resources necessary for carrying out activities, acquisition and modernization of scientific and research apparatus, maintenance and development of personnel potential necessary for the implementation of activities, and dissemination of the results of scientific activities.