Bi-Metallic Complexes for Synergistic&Theranostic Applicatio

The use of metals in medicine is very versatile, ranging from different diagnostic to therapeutic applications. This project aims at the combination of two metal-based therapies in order to increase the therapeutic efficacy in comparison to the individual treatments alone. Namely, we will combine photodynamic therapy (PDT) with nuclear radioendotherapy (RET). For PDT, metal-containing compounds are excited by light and subsequently, because in aqueous biological media, reactive oxygen species are produced that destroy the surrounding diseased tissue (tumors, infections (viruses) etc.). RET utilizes radioactive metals whose ionizing radiation is toxic and also destroys the surrounding diseased tissue. Goal of this project is to chemically combine two suitable metals (ruthenium and rhenium) in one construct that allows for simultaneous PDT and RET. The bi-metallic compounds will be conjugated to a targeted biomolecule (e.g., antibody) that serves as carrier for the selective transport of the therapeutic cargo to the diseased site while sparing healthy tissue. The bi-metallic compounds and conjugates thereof will be tested biologically (e.g., on cells) in order to investigate the interplay of the two therapies.