Sylvestre Bonnet receives an ERC grant for light-activated chemotherapy
Chemist Sylvestre Bonnet has received a Proof of Concept grant from the European Research Council (ERC). With the grant of 150,000 euros, Bonnet will investigate whether chemotherapy that is activated by light can be used against eye cancer.
Light-activated chemotherapy
Chemotherapy that doesn't destroy cells all through the body, but only the cells of a tumour: that's what Sylvestre Bonnet wants to do. His method? Using molecules with light-sensitive groups, which only become destructive when you irradiate the tumour with light. These molecules contain ruthenium: a transition metal that can break down chemical bonds under the influence of light. In addition, together with organic molecules, it forms a toxic complex that can destroy cancer cells. For his ERC project, Bonnet will specifically examine whether such light-activated chemotherapy with ruthenium can be used against eye cancer.
Investigating social or commercial application
The ERC's Proof of Concept grants are intended to enable scientists to investigate the commercial or societal applications of their work. For example, the grant can be used for patent applications, to investigate business opportunities or to test the practical feasibility of a scientific concept. This year, the ERC awarded a total of 62 Proof of Concept grants, of which 8 were awarded to Dutch researchers.
Sylvestre Bonnet previously gave a public lecture about his research at the Natuurwetenschappelijk Gezelschap Leiden. Read the report of this lecture, or watch the videoregistration (both in Dutch).