Development of ZIF-8 nanoparticles containing Nd3+ Yb2+ and Er3+ used as luminescent markers for the therapy and diagnosis of Leishmaniasis

• Grant number: 24/18144-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Program to Stimulate Scientific Vocations
• Start date: January 15, 2025
• End date: February 25, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Inorganic Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Sidney José Lima Ribeiro
• Grantee: Angela Beatriz Sá Moreira Assis
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araraquara. Araraquara , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Leishmaniasis is a serious parasitic disease that affects millions of people, especially in tropical and subtropical regions, and presents a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations. Considered a neglected disease, it faces significant challenges due to the lack of investment in research and development, resulting in limited therapeutic options and increasing resistance to conventional treatments. This project proposes the development of a multifunctional theranostic platform based on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), specifically ZIF-8, doped with lanthanide ions and upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs). MOFs, with high surface area and controlled release capacity, will be used to encapsulate antimony-based drugs, such as sodium stibogluconate, aiming to increase treatment efficacy and minimize side effects.