The Nano4Tarmed projects is a success story
Scientists at CATRIN, Palacký University, in collaboration with colleagues from Maynooth University in Ireland and the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche in Italy, have developed a graphene-based nanoplatform capable of binding and delivering multiple drugs directly to tumour cells. This innovation is part of the Nano4Tarmed project, funded by the prestigious Horizon 2020 programme. The research primarily targets osteosarcoma—a type of bone cancer common in adolescents and young adults—but its potential applications extend to breast cancer and brain tumours as well. While the effectiveness of this nanoplatform has been demonstrated in living cells and 3D models, additional research is necessary before it can be utilized in clinical settings. Beyond its scientific impact, the experience gained from preparing this proposal has also contributed to CATRIN’s ongoing success in securing European funding.
“Thanks to the collaboration within the Czech-Irish-Italian consortium, we developed an efficient nanosystem for delivering anticancer drugs targeting three distinct types of cancer over the three and a half years of the project,” said Václav Ranc, CATRIN’s project coordinator. “The project has helped enhance existing treatment approaches and create new ones that could be impactful in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, potentially improving the health of populations across Europe and globally.”
The nanoplatform is based on graphene oxide, a derivative of the Nobel Prize-winning material graphene. With its functionalized surface, graphene oxide can bind cisplatin—a novel complex developed by the Irish team—as well as other drugs, facilitating their safe delivery to tumour cells to achieve their therapeutic effects. “We conducted extensive lab testing not only on 2D cell cultures but also on 3D models that better simulate the environment of real tumours. These tests showed that the platform can inhibit the migration of tumour cells, reducing the risk of tumour growth and metastasis,” Ranc explained.
The platform is capable of binding up to three drugs simultaneously, each with a distinct function, thereby enhancing the overall therapeutic effect. Experts have observed a synergistic relationship between drug delivery and the increased potency of the administered drugs. Initial tests on 2D models indicated that the nanoplatform does not affect healthy cells, but further studies are required to verify its interactions in 3D models. For this purpose, specialized hybrid 3D models simulating both healthy and cancerous tissue will be developed.
“One of the key objectives of the Nano4Tarmed project was to establish a consortium that could successfully secure further project grants. We achieved this goal and will continue our research under the Strike project (Horizon Europe call, MSCA-DN), moving the nanoplatform closer to clinical application. A total of 15 partners, including industry stakeholders, will collaborate on this next phase,” added Ranc.
An essential aspect of the project was the networking between scientists, PhD students, and research managers across the involved institutions, which was an inevitable process for CATRIN. “This project significantly contributed to setting up CATRIN’s Grants Office. We trained project managers who now support scientists in preparing grant applications and managing the funded projects. This investment in our team has been key to our continued success in the Horizon Europe competition,” noted Andrea Nogova, Head of CATRIN’s Grants Office.
The European Commission evaluators reflected these findings in their Final Report, even classifying it as a “success story”. In the Report, the Commission highlights the positive impact of the nanoplatform on osteosarcoma treatment strategies. They identified it as a promising method to increase treatment efficacy while potentially lowering costs. The Commission also observed the harmonious and efficient cooperation within the consortium, aligning well with the objective of training new project managers from less experienced countries.