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Founded in 2015, Serbia’s BIOS centre is a pioneer in the digital transformation of agriculture in Serbia. But with support from the NANOFACTS project, the centre’s expertise was taken a step further, going beyond agricultural solutions and finding applications in cancer detection and treatment – with promising results.
“Our mission was to close gaps in research capabilities and bring BIOS up to the standard of Europe’s leading cancer research institutions,” explains Nikola Knezevic, coordinator of NANOFACTS. Through partnerships with Trinity College Dublin (TCD) in Ireland and Technische Universität Wien (TUW) in Austria, the project provided BIOS researchers with cutting-edge training in nanotechnology and biosensing, enabling them to pioneer solutions for cancer diagnosis and care.
TUW shared its expertise in creating tiny, highly precise diagnostic tools, helping BIOS design user-friendly devices to be used both in hospitals and at home. Researchers from TCD guided the institute in designing nanoparticles capable of targeting cancer cells for imaging and treatment.
“This collaboration allowed us to work on real-time detection of cancer biomarkers and the development of nanoparticles that could simultaneously deliver therapy and visualise its impact,” Knezevic says.
This expert support allowed BIOS to expand into cancer diagnostics. “Our researchers transitioned from environmental sensing to biomedical applications, gaining invaluable skills that are already making a difference,” Knezevic remarks.
Peptide power
NANOFACTS has already achieved significant breakthroughs facilitated by BIOS’s unique blend of expertise. Among the highlights is the use of chlorotoxin, a peptide derived from scorpion venom, to target glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a deadly form of brain cancer.
By incorporating nanoparticles into hydrogels for local therapy and exploring MRI-guided drug delivery, the project made strides toward more effective, individualised cancer treatments.
On the diagnostic front, NANOFACTS developed biosensors for key substances indicating cancer presence (known as biomarkers), including HER-2 (linked to breast cancer) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (involved in multiple cancers). These innovations promise earlier and more accurate diagnoses, improving treatment outcomes and potentially saving lives.
Building a lasting legacy
The impact of NANOFACTS goes far beyond the lab, too. BIOS is now equipped to sustain and expand its research efforts in cancer care, thanks to the state-of-the-art infrastructure developed through earlier EU projects. With the tools and knowledge gained through NANOFACTS, BIOS is applying for new grants and forging industry partnerships to turn its research into real-world solutions.
A key focus for the team is now commercialisation. The prototypes developed during NANOFACTS, such as biosensors and nanotherapeutics, are being refined for market readiness. “By protecting intellectual property, fostering spin-offs and partnering with industry, we aim to create jobs and reduce the economic burden of cancer,” Knezevic explains.
By working across borders and expanding the frontiers of cancer research, NANOFACTS is building capacity in the region and paving the way for a future where cancer care is more effective, accessible and personalised.