Nanotechnology Platform for Combined Radio-Photodynamic and Immunotherapy of Cancer
Project Description
Cancer treatment outcomes remain limited by the narrow therapeutic windows of conventional monotherapies. Radiotherapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT), and immunotherapy each offer unique advantages—DNA damage, spatiotemporal control of ROS, and durable antitumor immunity—but their impact is constrained by limited synergy and tumor resistance. A transformative strategy is to integrate these modalities into a single, nanotechnology-enabled platform.
This project will develop a nanotechnology platform for combined radio–photodynamic–immunotherapy using radioluminescent nanoparticles (RLNPs) as the central mediator. Under X-ray irradiation, RLNPs emit visible light that activates co-delivered photosensitizers, triggering PDT deep within tumors. Local cell death and antigen release enhance immune priming, while RLNPs can be engineered to co-deliver immunostimulatory agents that amplify systemic immunity. Thus, RLNPs act as a unifying trigger coupling radiotherapy with PDT and immunotherapy in a spatiotemporally controlled and synergistic fashion.
We will design and characterize RLNP-based formulations to optimize light yield, drug loading, and immune activation. In vitro and in vivo studies will define how nanoparticle properties regulate ROS generation, immunogenic cell death, and adaptive responses. The goal is to establish a versatile platform that unites three partially effective therapies into one regimen, achieving tumor regression, long-term immune memory, and improved safety over conventional combinations.
Start Date
June 1, 2026
Postdoc Qualifications
The ideal postdoctoral researcher for this project will have a strong background in nanomedicine, drug delivery, or biomaterials engineering, with demonstrated expertise in nanoparticle synthesis, surface functionalization, and physicochemical characterization (e.g., TEM, DLS, fluorescence, radioluminescence). Experience with cancer biology, immunology, or radiation/photodynamic therapy models is highly desirable, including in vitro cell assays and in vivo tumor studies. The candidate should also possess strong skills in interdisciplinary collaboration, experimental design, and scientific writing, enabling them to integrate materials engineering with cancer biology to advance this multi-modality therapeutic platform. Proficiency in both written and spoken English is required. The Gilberth Fellow will be expected to work independently in Purdue University laboratories under the guidance of the designated Co-Advisors.
Co-advisors
You-Yeon Won, Professor, Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Email: yywon@purdue.edu
Matthew L. Scarpelli, Assistant Professor, School of Health Sciences, College of Health and Human Sciences, Email: mscarpel@purdue.edu
Bibliography
Dhushyanth Viswanath, Jeehun Park, Vincenzo J. Pizzuti, Rahul Misra, Sung-Ho Shin, Junsang Doh, You-Yeon Won, “Nanotechnology-Enhanced Radiotherapy and the Abscopal Effect: Current Status and Challenges of Nanomaterial-Based Radioimmunotherapy”, Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews – Nanomedicine and Nanotechnology 16(1), e1924, 2024 (DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1924).
Dhushyanth Viswanath, Sung-Ho Shin, Jin Yoo, Sandra E. Torregrosa-Allen, Haley A. Harper, Heidi E. Cervantes, Bennett D. Elzey, and You-Yeon Won, “Radiation-Induced Photodynamic Therapy Using Calcium Tungstate Nanoparticles and 5-Aminolevulinic Acid Prodrug”, Biomaterials Science 11, 6311-6324, 2023 (DOI: 10.1039/D3BM00921A).
Dhushyanth Viswanath, You-Yeon Won, “Combining Radiotherapy (RT) and Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): Clinical Studies on Conventional RT-PDT Approaches and Novel Nanoparticle-Based RT-PDT Approaches under Preclinical Evaluation”, ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering 8(9), 3644-3658, 2022 (DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c00287).
Deng‐Yuan Chang, Joseph P Speth, Matthew L Scarpelli, “Evaluating the theranostic potential of ferumoxytol when combined with radiotherapy in a mammary dual tumor mouse model”, Medical Physics 52, e17888, 2025, (DOI: 10.1002/mp.17888).
Isabelle F Vanhaezebrouck, R Timothy Bentley, Alex Georgiades, Susan Arnold, Joshua A Young, Nathan Claus, Laura Danaher, Joshua B Klutzke, Matthew L Scarpelli, “Implementing Neurosurgery and Cesium-131 Brachytherapy in Veterinary Medicine: A Veterinary Case Study with a Review of Clinical Usage of Cesium-131 for Brain Tumors in Human Patients and Opportunities for Translational Research”, Radiation 5(2), 13, 2025 (DOI: 10.3390/radiation5020013).