Highlights:
1. Self-assembled copolymers for photodynamic therapy against cancer
2. The aim is to develop and thoroughly characterize innovative drug delivery devices for photodynamic therapy.
3. This is a recent method that involves the use of a photosensitizer that is localized in the cancer cells. Upon irradiation, the photosensitizer yields singlet oxygen formation, which leads to the death of the cell.
4. Our team assesses the use of copolymer micelles for this type of therapy. Even if these have been studied for some time, very little is known about their sub-cellular localization.
5. The aim of this project is to answer this problem. The work will involve the synthesis of amphiphilic copolymers bearing fluorescent labels, the characterization of the self-assemblies in water depending on the trapped photosensitizer and the study of their fate in cancer cells.
6. The project is part of a collaboration between four laboratories: IMRCP, EI Purpan, IPBS (all three inToulouse) and AnBioPhy laboratory. The synthesis will be performed in IMRCP.
7. The self-assemblies will be characterized in IMRCP by PCS and TEM, and in EI Purpan with AFlFFF. Cell cultures will be carried out either in IMRCP or in IPBS.
8. The work will therefore deal with a very large area, from organic chemistry (to modify the polymers) to polymer chemistry, physical chemistry (characterization of the self-assemblies) and biology (cell culture).
9. Required qualifications: Experience in organic chemistry is required. Basic knowledge in polymer chemistry, physical chemistry or fluorescent probes will also be helpful. However, no starting knowledge in cell culture is asked.
10. Duration and financial support: 18 months with a possibility for extension. Starting date November or December 2009 (later starting dates will also be considered).
11. French Research Agency (ANR). Monthly salary: ca 2000 € net of charges
12. For information and application, please contact:
- Patricia VICENDO, Laboratoire des IMRCP, Université Paul Sabatier,
118 Rte de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse Cedex 9, France
e-mail : vicendo@chimie.ups-tlse.fr
- Anne-Françoise MINGOTAUD, Laboratoire des IMRCP, Université Paul Sabatier,
118 Rte de Narbonne, 31062 Toulouse Cedex 9, France
e-mail : afmingo@chimie.ups-tlse.fr
Applications should include a full curriculum vitae, a list of publications, a brief description of research interests and the names of two referees.
