SMARTMat-RAD
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Slovak Academy of Sciences
Slovak Academy of Sciences
NATO country Project Director (NPD)
The main objective of the project is to develop two types of effective therapies: per-oral and topical-based on bioactive inorganic nanomaterials and hydrogels.
These approaches aim to treat systemic disorders associated with radiation injury, accelerate the healing of radiation-induced skin burns, and establish an “intelligent” roadmap for their effective practical use.
The main scientific/technological tasks of the project:
The main scientific/technological tasks of the project:
Fabrication of bioactive, biocompatible inorganic nanocomposites with enhanced antioxidant, antibacterial, and radioprotective properties.
Development of a methyl silicic acid–based hydrogel platform for the formulation of materials intended for external and internal therapy of radiation-induced wounds and burns.
Functionalization of methyl silicic acid–based hydrogels with bioactive inorganic nanomaterials and development of a novel two-component hydrogel system, serving as both an enterosorbent and a topical applicator for the treatment of radiation-induced systemic disorders and skin lesions.
LASTEST News
LASTEST News
February 3, 2026: Kick Off Meeting
February 3, 2026: Kick Off Meeting
On 3 February, the Kick-Off Meeting officially launched the NATO G8914 project. The meeting was attended by the principal investigators of all participating teams and a representative of the NATO Office. Each team presented their research and key project tasks, and administrative requirements were discussed with the NATO representative. All participants expressed confidence that, by working together, they will successfully achieve the project’s goals and advance the development of SMART Nanotherapy for Radiation Damage.
PROJECT INFORMATION
PROJECT INFORMATION
MILESTONE 1: February 1, 2026 - August 1, 2026
Fabrication of multi-functional inorganic nanocomposites with increased bioactivity and radioprotective potential
MILESTONE 2: August 1, 2026 - August 1, 2027
Fabrication of multi-functional inorganic nanocomposites with increased bioactivity and radioprotective potential
Methylsilicic-Based Hydrogel Platform with optimized Physicochemical Parameters and High Adsorption Capacity
MILESTONE 3: August 1, 2027 - May 1, 2028
Development of Jelly-Like Novel Formulations Based on Hydrogel and Inorganic Fillers with Combined Adsorption Capacity, Bioactivity, and Radioprotective Ability for Internal/External Therapy of Irradiation Lesions
MILESTONE 4: May 1, 2028 - February 1, 2029
Development of Jelly-Like Novel Formulations Based on Hydrogel and Inorganic Fillers with Combined Adsorption Capacity, Bioactivity, and Radioprotective Ability for Internal/External Therapy of Irradiation Lesions (continuation)
PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES
PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES
SLOVAKIA
UKRAINE
SPAIN
ROMANIA
PARTICIPATING INSTITUTIONS
PARTICIPATING INSTITUTIONS
Slovak Academy of Sciences, Slovakia (IEP SAS) NPD Dr. Katarina Siposova, PhD.
Slovak Academy of Sciences, Slovakia (IEP SAS) NPD Dr. Katarina Siposova, PhD.
IEP SAS is a leading research and educational institution in Slovakia with a long tradition in modern physics. Founded in 1969, it conducts basic and applied research in condensed matter, subnuclear and space physics, biophysics, nanotechnology, and selected chemical and biological sciences. The interdisciplinary team brings together experts in physics, biophysics, and chemistry to address complex scientific challenges.
The Department of Biophysics studies the structure and function of bio-macromolecules and bio-inspired nanomaterials for biomedical applications, including tissue engineering, wound healing, drug delivery, and theranostics. The Department of Magnetism develops nanoparticles and magnetic materials for biomedical and technological use, including magnetic fluids and advanced composites.
Role and Responsibilities within the project
Project management and coordination of research activities, including organization of joint meetings and preparation of periodic reports
participation on characterization of magnetic nanoparticles and composite systems, including physical, rheological, and structural analyses.
Investigation of interactions between proteins and composite materials, including binding, release dynamics, and effects of magnetic fields and irradiation.
Evaluation of biocompatibility and bioactivity of synthesized composites using biochemical and biophysical techniques.
Available Instrumental Capabilities for Research
spectrophotometry (circular dichroism, FTIR and Raman, fluorescence), atomic force microscopy, rheology, DLS analysis, Lab. of dielectric measurements, Lab. of high magnetic field and hyperthermia; in collaboration: Cell culture and biological assays, including cytotoxicity testing, bioavailability studies, and monitoring of metabolic pathways
TEAM: Dr. Katarina SIPOSOVA, Ph.D. (Team leader; senior researcher) - Ing. Matus MOLCAN, Ph.D. (senior researcher) - Ing. Katarina PAULOVICOVA, Ph.D. (researcher) - Dr. Michaela ROMANOVOVA, Ph.D. (researcher) - Dr. Viktoria RELOVSKA (PhD student) - Dr. Ivana GARCAROVA (PhD student) - Mgr. Tomas BIRO (PhD student)
IGIC-NASU is the oldest and one of the leading chemical institutes in Ukraine. The research team participating in this project is based at the Department of Solid-State Chemistry, focusing on developing novel functional materials, such as nanoparticles, nanocomposites, and ceramic films, for a range of applications. Their expertise includes designing oxide nanomaterials with potential biomedical uses, which is essential for the success of the project.
Role and Responsibilities within the project
synthesis of inorganic nanocomposites and hydrogel specimens;
decoration of developed hydrogels with the optimized inorganic composite nanomaterials;
physicochemical characterization of developed nanomaterials and nanocomposites, focusing on their structure, surface parameters (chemical state, porosity etc.), electrokinetic properties.
Available Instrumental Capabilities for Research
X-ray Diffraction, FTIR spectroscopy, DLS analysis, magnetic heating measurements etc.
TEAM: Dr. Yuliia SHLAPA, Ph D. (Team leader; senior researcher) - Prof. Anatolii BELOUS, Dr.Sci. (head of department) - Dr. Leonid KOVALENKO, Ph.D. (senior researcher) - Dr. Ivan LISOVSKYI, Ph.D. (researcher) - Vladyslav KUKHAR (PhD student)
R. E. Kavetsky Institute of Experimental Pathology, Oncology and Radiobiology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Ukraine (IEPOR)
R. E. Kavetsky Institute of Experimental Pathology, Oncology and Radiobiology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Ukraine (IEPOR)
Co-Director A Dr. Veronika SARNATSKAYA, Dr.Sci.
Co-Director A Dr. Veronika SARNATSKAYA, Dr.Sci.
IEPOR, NAS of Ukraine is one of Ukraine’s leading biomedical research institutes. Founded in 1962, it serves as a major centre for fundamental and applied research in pathophysiology, oncology, and radiobiology. The Institute’s research focuses on cancer biology, tumour microenvironment, molecular-genetic regulation of metabolism in cancer, and the effects of nanoparticles and nanocomposites for targeted therapy.
The team involved in this project is based at the Department of Means and Methods of Sorption Therapy, established in 1977 and currently led by Dr. Veronika Sarnatskaya. The department is a leading research group in Ukraine in sorption technologies and therapy, biotechnology, nanobiology, nanobiotechnology, and nanomedicine, providing expertise crucial for the successful implementation of the proposed project.
Role and Responsibilities within the Project:
Measure antioxidant properties in cell models under irradiation in vitro.
Assess cell viability, morphology, antioxidant and anti-apoptotic responses, and overall functional activity in vitro under irradiation.
Monitor skin regeneration processes under irradiation in vivo.
Evaluate hematological and biochemical blood parameters to determine systemic safety in vivo under irradiation.
Assess the biological effects of the investigated materials under irradiation in vivo.
Dr. Veronika Sarnatskaya, Dr.Sci. (Head of department) - Dr. Liubov Paziuk, Ph.D. (senior researcher) - Dr. Victor Mikailenko, Ph.D. (senior researcher) - Dr. Olexandra Lykhova, Ph.D. (researcher) - Dr. Pavlo Virych, Ph.D. (senior researcher) - Dr. Petro Virych, Ph.D. (researcher) - Kyrylo Saulenko (senior engineer)
BCMaterials - Basque Center for Materials, Applications & Nanostructures, Spain Co-Director B Dr. Viktor, I. PETRENKO, PhD.
BCMaterials - Basque Center for Materials, Applications & Nanostructures, Spain Co-Director B Dr. Viktor, I. PETRENKO, PhD.
BCMaterials is a strategic initiative of Ikerbasque and the University of the Basque Country. Established in 2012 as an autonomous research center within the BERC (Basque Excellence Research Centers) network of the Basque Government’s Department of Education, it is a center of excellence whose mission is to develop high-quality interdisciplinary research in the field of multifunctional and smart materials and nanomaterials, ranging from fundamental studies to their applications in diverse fields. BCMaterials’ research activities aim to improve quality of life through the development of materials in areas such as biomedicine, transport, energy, and the environment.
Viktor Petrenko is co-leader of Neutron Science Research Line (Transversal research line supporting the activities of the other research lines at BCMaterials in which neutron scattering experiments are involved).
Currently, BCMaterials receives funding at the national, regional, and European levels. It has more than 120 highly qualified and motivated researchers working in a highly multidisciplinary environment, with leading experts in polymers, magnetic materials, metals, oxides, and others. Furthermore, thanks to the collaboration agreement between BCMaterials and UPV/EHU, the center benefits from the participation of some of the most outstanding UPV/EHU research groups in the field of materials development and applications. The close interaction among scientists from different areas fosters the exchange of new ideas and technologies, thereby promoting collaborative research.
Role and Responsibilities within the Project:
Advanced structural characterization at nanoscale
Development of smart and multifunctional gels
Co-Director C Dr. Valentin-Adrian Maraloiu, PhD.
Co-Director C Dr. Valentin-Adrian Maraloiu, PhD.
NIMP is a leading research institute in Romania, and it is devoted to fundamental and applied research and development, with particular emphasis in the fields of solid-state physics and materials research. It is one of the 7 founding members of the CERIC-ERIC consortium, offering advanced microstructural characterization of new materials to scientists worldwide.
The research team participating on behalf of NIMP is part of the Laboratory of Atomic Structures and Defects in Advanced Materials (LASDAM), whose main activity is based on advanced microstructural and spectroscopic techniques (e.g. HRTEM, STEM, EELS) for the discovery, investigation and manipulation of physical properties at nanometric and atomic scale in innovative materials with applicative potential.
Role and Responsibilities within the Project:
will be involved in Milestones 1-4 when the evaluation of morphological, structural and composition characterization of synthesized nanomaterials, composites and hydrogels will be done by SEM, CTEM, HRTEM, HAADF-STEM, EDS, EELS.
Dr. Valentin-Adrian Maraloiu (senior researcher) - Dr. Ionel Florinel Mercioniu - Dr. Marian Cosmin Istrate - Catalina Gabriela Mihalcea (PhD student)
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