LUMInescence ThermOmeters fOr cLinicS

Introduction

Thermal monitoring plays a paramount role in disease diagnosis. The currently available techniques are not performing satisfactorily for sophisticated in vivo temperature mapping.

Background

Employing luminescence for in vivo temperature assessment has attracted substantial interest in the past decade. However, despite their great promise and impact, to date, luminescent nanothermometers have not surpassed preclinical stages.

Challenges

Here, nano-safety, toxicity, and biocompatibility remain vivid issues, as the majority of the proposed fluorescent nanothermometers are built of heavy metals (rare-earth nanoparticles, quantum dots).

Project Goals

In order to move towards the usage of luminescent nanothermometers on the clinical level, there is a clear need to resolve these obstacles, which is the goal of project LUMITOOLS.

Approach

To achieve this goal, at this stage moving away from nanothermometers built of heavy metals seems well judged, at least until current toxicity and accumulation risks can be suitably addressed and rectified.

Development Plan

The project aims at building nanothermometers from luminescent degradable nanomaterials without the usage of heavy metals. The aim is to develop:

1. Stable, well-performing nanothermometers
2. Nanothermometers that thoroughly annihilate after they have done their job

This would constitute an important advancement for future research efforts on in vivo thermometry applications.

Conclusion

This project would allow delivering nanothermometers with true potential for implementation in clinics.