Description
Novel trends in nanomedicine require well educated scientists that are capable of basic and applied research focused on development of nanoparticles and their modification for targeted drug delivery. For this purpose the collaboration of well-experienced laboratories is required both in the education and training of students, as well as in high quality research. The outcome of the project will be the joint PhD study module in Biophysics and Medical Technology and joint publications. It assumes short mobilities of PhD students and teachers as well as joint research. Mobilities of PhD students from both institutions will allow obtaining experience and skill in novel biophysical techniques. The lecture that will be presented by teachers in both institutions will allow students to learn new methods and results of research in bionanotechnology focused on targeted drug delivery. The dissemination of the results of the project and information about the project by bachelor and master students will increase attractiveness of the Biophysics and Medical Technology, which could help increasing flow of the students in these study programs.
Summary of project results
The main objectives of this project were establishment of joint PhD module, Joint research focused on mechanisms of targeted drug delivery by means of nanoparticles, mobilities of PhD students and academic staff, as well as preparation of joint scientific articles. The project was necessary for continuing the collaboration between Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics of Comenius University in Bratislava and Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim in research and education. Due to necessity of building of the laboratory of cell cultures in Bratislava it was crucial to obtain skill in the methods of cell biology, in the study of nanoparticle toxicity and cell viability. Norwegian partner is expert in these fields. Therefore, the training of PhD students in above-mentioned methods was necessary for continuing the research on Comenius University in Bratislava. 2 Slovak PhD students spent 6 weeks in partner institution and 1 Norwegian PhD students visited university in Bratislava also for 6 weeks. PhD students acquainted with the methods used at the partner institution and delivered lectures from their focus. Important part of the project consists in preparation of the joint module of PhD study in biophysics and medical technology that contributed into the quality of PhD study. Teaching protocols and a compiled list of recommended lectures for PhD students that could be visited at partner institutions within the doctoral study have been developed. Joint module of PhD study and building of new laboratories allow continuing bilateral collaboration and high quality research. During the realization of the project, 2 articles were prepared and sent to international scientific journals. Project participants presented 3 contributions to scientific events that were published in Conference Proceedings. The results of the project are valuable for continuing in bilateral collaboration between Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics of Comenius University in Bratislava and Norwegian University of Science and Technology, for improvement of PhD study as well as for optimization of targeted therapy of cancer diseases by means of nanoparticles and DNA aptamers.
Summary of bilateral results
Donor project partner Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Natural Sciences was equal partner involved in all project activities and substantially contributed into the training of PhD students from Slovak institution. Joint module of PhD study in biophysics and medical technology was developed and joint manuscript was submitted to high-level international journal. Short-term mobility of PhD students were useful in their training in new methods, mobility of teachers have been very useful for more deep discussion of obtained results, as well as for preparation of joint publications.