BCMaterials Fortnightly Seminar #50: Irati Rodrigo and Maria San Sebastián

IRATI RODRIGO

(BCMATERIALS)

MAGNETIC-NANOPARTICLES AS A THERAGNOSTIC TOOL FOR LIVER METASTASES IN A MURINE MODEL

The treatment of liver metastases is still a challenge. Magnetic hyperthermia is being explored as a new therapy. Functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) can be adhered to tumour tissues and then heated selectively by an alternating magnetic field (AMF). The temperature increment due to the MNP heating of MNP might destroy the tumours spearing healthy liver tissue. The aim of our experiment was to develop a reliable and selective magnetic-hyperthermia therapy for diagnosis and treatment of liver metastases in a rat model. RGD-peptides functionalized MNP, intravascular infusion of MNP and an electromagnetic applicator to achieve selective heating have been designed and an “in vivo” experiment was carried out to check the effectivity of the treatment

MARIA SAN SEBASTIAN

(BCMATERIALS)

UNDERSTANDING AND TAILORING ELECTROACTIVE POLYMER BASED MATERIALS FOR ADVANCED APPLICATIONS

In this talk I will present the work we are performing based on electroactive polymer and, in particular, piezoelectric and high dielectric constant ones. After the overview of the focus and main areas of interest and work, I will provide the three examples with the latest results based on the development of nanocomposites for sensing applications and on the (micro)structuring of polymers for energy and biomedical applications.