PHELLINI

This case study focusses on smaller scale, earlier stage research than others in our selection. In this way, this case study provides an example of the impact that can be achieved in a relatively short timeframe with a small budget. It also highlights the importance of multidisciplinary skills in achieving societal impact.

Aims of the project

The Plasmonic Heaters Linked to Lanthanide-Based Nanothermometers for Photodynamic Therapy in the Near-Infrared (PHELLINI) project was a multidisciplinary effort to measure temperatures at the nanoscale (10^-9 m) within biological systems.^[1] In doing so, PHELLINI aimed to facilitate controlled and tightly monitored hyperthermia treatment, which works through killing diseased cells via local temperature increases, by ensuring that the local temperature is neither too high to damage surrounding health cells, nor too low to be ineffective. The initial idea was developed by Dr Quintanilla, then based at l’Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique (INRS), who moved to conduct the project together with Prof Liz-Marzán at the Bionanoplasmonics Lab at CIC biomaGUNE in Spain.

Project achievements

At least in the near-term, the most important outcome of the PHELLINI project is the demonstration that monitored photothermal therapy is possible: that, through excitation via a near-IR laser of a gold nanoparticle (e.g. nanorod or nanostar) embedded in biological tissues, tumour cells can be destroyed in a controlled manner, and that the local temperature can be measured via luminescent nanoparticles.

The PHELLINI project also enabled upskilling and capacity development. For example, Dr Quintanilla, the principal researcher, was previously specialised in physics but learned new methods in chemistry and biology. As a result of this upskilling, she now leads the cell biology lab tasks of projects in the UAM physics department. CIC biomaGUNE also developed its capacity as a research institute from Dr Quintanilla’s research stay: Dr Quintanilla facilitated the creation of a laser lab, as well as the introduction of new optical equipment and skills to the institute. The laser lab continues to be active and used for other research projects.

Project impacts, barriers and enablers

Early proof-of-concept findings have already paved the way for in vivo work to develop, but the path to clinical implementation and commercialisation is long. However, it is possible to examine certain facilitators and barriers of any broader societal impact the project may have. Enablers include targeted funding from private and public bodies, and the presence of a well-established technology transfer office at CIC biomaGUNE.  A conservative investment ecosystem is one barrier to impact, however. One interviewee claimed that private investment opportunities are limited in Southern Europe, as investors apparently tend to be conservative and gather interest only at high technology readiness levels (TRLs). As a pre-clinical research project with low TRLs, this is a clear barrier to impact for PHELLINI. Institutional change of relevant researchers is another such barrier. While beneficial for individual career development, moving to a different institution with new projects and priorities has meant that the nano-thermometry work has been put on pause and progress has been delayed.

[1] ‘CORDIS- Plasmonic Heaters Linked to Lanthanide-Based Nanothermometers for Photodynamic Therapy in the Near-Infrared- Reporting’. Accessed 5^th July 2021: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/659021/reporting