"Energy Converters Based on Luminescent Nanoparticles for Photobiostimulation in Fibroblasts: Perspectives in Optogenetics and Biophotonics"

• Grant number: 25/21110-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: October 01, 2025
• End date: April 30, 2029
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Inorganic Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Rogéria Rocha Gonçalves
• Grantee: Ana Beatriz Acosta
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto (FFCLRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 21/08111-2 - Development of rare earth based light converters: luminescent markers, optical sensors, and amplifiers, AP.TEM

Abstract

Optogenetics represents one of the most innovative frontiers in contemporary medicine, enabling precise control of cellular and tissue activity through photobiostimulation. This technology is particularly relevant to strategic areas such as (i) neuroscience, where light-sensitive proteins (opsins) allow selective activation of neurons, paving the way for therapies targeting neurological disorders, and (ii) tissue engineering, where light stimulation of cutaneous cells can support regenerative and therapeutic processes. However, the limited penetration of visible light into biological tissues severely constrains the in vivo application of these strategies.Near infrared to visible Upconversion from lanthanide-doped nanoparticles (UCNPs) offers an innovative approach to overcome this limitation. In this project, rare-earth fluoride-based UCNPs (NaLnF4) co-doped with Yb3+, Nd3+, Er3+, and Tm3+ ions will be synthesized and optimized with a core@shell architecture to achieve high quantum emission efficiency (yield), converting near-infrared (NIR) radiation into blue/green light suitable for endogenous opsin activation. These particles will be integrated into 3D-printed hybrid scaffolds containing fibroblasts, creating biophotonic platforms. The morphological, structural, and spectroscopic properties of the composites will be thoroughly evaluated to correlate emission efficiency, biocompatibility, and cellular response. NIR-mediated photostimulation will be employed to modulate signaling pathways associated with opsin activity (e.g., OPN3) in fibroblasts, with the potential to control extracellular matrix remodeling, collagen synthesis, and regenerative processes. This strategy aims to deliver a new generation of biomedical devices capable of triggering specific cellular responses non-invasively, offering promising applications in guided wound healing, tissue engineering, and personalized dermal and epidermal therapies.