NANOMA · Nano-Actuators and Nano-Sensors for Medical Applications

The NANOMA project aims at proposing novel controlled nanorobotic delivery systems which will be designed to improve the administration of drugs in the treatment and diagnosis of breast cancer. Breast cancer is diagnosed in 1.2 million men and women globally every year and kills 500,000. The NANOMA project proposes a magnetic nanocapsule steering approach that relies on improved gradient coils for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) systems. MRI systems also provide concentration and tracking information, real-time interventional capabilities and are already widespread in hospitals. It is based on fundamental techniques and methods for the propulsion, navigation and effective targeted delivery of coated ferromagnetic capsules in the cardiovascular system through the induction of force from magnetic gradients generated by a clinical MRI. This proposed NANOMA platform will be a valuable tool to help enhance the efficiency of breast cancer treatments while improving patients recovery time.The project rests on the pillar of six work packages (WPs) , which are further divided into subprojects (SPs). Substantial RandD activities are carried out in WP1-WP4 with the goal to design, model and control the microcapsule. In WP5-WP6 new biocarriers and biosensors made of ferromagnetic particles and special functionalized materials reacting to environmental changes in infected cancer cells are being investigated. As proof-of-concept, an in-vivo breast cancer cell detection platform is realized and evaluated in WP7. WP8 deals with the effective Europe-wide exploitation and dissemination of the project results. Finally, WP9 manages the project.The project consortium gives almost a guarantee for the project's success.