Multicolor Fluorescent Ultrashort Carbon Nanotubes for Multiplexed immunofluorescence in Cancer Diagnostics

Multi-IF proposes a fully innovative approach combining nanoscience, fluorescence microscopy and cancer histopathology to achieve optically multiplexed immunofluorescence for cancer diagnostic.

At present, when examining cancer tissue, biomarker analyses are sequential and require several biopsy slices implying a lot of (not always available) biological material.

Testing several biomarkers on a single tissue biopsy slice in an efficient, quantitative and reproducible way, would be crucial but not currently available at hospital.

This project will involve an innovative technology based on single-walled carbon nanotubes to create a library of novel multicolor immuno-labels.

More precisely, this will employ sp3 defects implanted fluorescent ultrashort nanotubes together with the development of a dedicated NIR microscope for multiplexed immunofluorescence on a single biopsy and the proof-of-concept on liver cancer tissue.

The applicant will bring strong expertise in chemical synthesis, bioprobe spectroscopy and time-resolved fluorescence microscopy applied to the study of complex and heterogeneous bio-molecular organization (2D/3D cells, proteins and peptides).

Concomitantly, he will gain a high-level hands-on training on carbon nanotube optics, near-infrared advanced spectroscopy, custom-built microscopy techniques, cancer tissue model and imaging analysis.

To achieve this objective, the project will be performed at one of the leading French research institution, IOGS-LP2N at the CNRS/Univ.

Bordeaux, with well-identified work packages to ensure efficient management, career development and training, science development, communication and technology transfer to pathologists. It will allow the applicant to reach high level of professional maturity to develop independent research career.

The fellow’s expertise, privileged environment of the hosting lab, the mentoring, the infrastructure & relevant facilities will guarantee the successful execution of Multi-IF goals.