Molecular design of new luminescent compounds for diagnostic purposes

01.03.2017

print:

Project is implemented within the framework of the programme “Growth and Employment” Specific Objective 1.1.1 “To increase the research and innovative capacity of scientific institutions of Latvia and the ability to attract external financing, investing in human resources and infrastructure 1.1.1.1. Measure “Practical research”
Eurpoean Regional Development Fund funding project

„Molecular design of new luminescent compounds for diagnostic purposes” (agreement No.1.1.1.1/16/A/211)

Project implementation period: 01.03.2017. – 29.02.2020.

Project applicant: Daugavpils University

Project partner: Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Center

Project objective: to synthesize new phosphors for disease diagnosis in medicine and veterinary medicine.

Research planned within the project and expected results:

Fundamental research will be conducted within the framework of the project, addressing the following tasks:

• to establish a new interdisciplinary group of scientists to search for new methods of synthesizing luminescent dyes,

• to develop and test synthesized dyes in practice,

• create descriptions and protocols for new diagnostic methods that will provide a solid basis for several biomedical applications,

• gain new knowledge, contributing to the development of biomedicine, medical technology, biopharmaceuticals, and biotechnology,

• promote and develop cooperation between Latvian scientific institutions – DU and BMC,

• develop human capital in science by involving young scientists and students in research.

As a result of the project, new methods for synthesizing luminescent dyes will be developed, from which the most promising phosphors for biomedical research will be selected. The research results will focus on the development of new innovative methods in histology, karyotyping, parasitology, etc.

The main goal of producing new luminescent dyes is to create dyes with improved coloring, photochemical, and photophysical properties. New luminescent dyes must be bright, with high luminescence quantum yield, in order to visualize dull samples or register biological structures with low intensity. New luminescent dyes are synthesized every year, but only a few are capable of visualizing target structures in biological objects without the use of specific antibodies, so it is important to continue the search for new and better phosphors. A wide range of dye applications will be ensured by its insensitivity to pH fluctuations and enhanced photostability. The luminescence intensity will be stable for a long time without any significant toxic effects on the organism.

Total costs of the project: EUR 580,000

(of which ERDF support intensity – 85%, state budget support intensity – 7.5%, DU co-financing – 7.5%)

Scientific project manager: Dr.chem., doc. Jeļena Kirilova (jelena.kirilova@du.lv)

Project administrative manager: Sanita Dregiša (sanita.dregisa@du.lv)