Post-doctoral position :
In vitro detection of biomolecules using persistent luminescence nanoparticles

Keywords : Nanoparticles, Surface coating, In vitro detection, Biosensor, ELISA

Topic : In the framework of the ANR PLEaSe project, we are looking for a post-doctoral researcher to develop a new method for the in vitro detection of biomarkers of interest. For this purpose, persistent luminescence nanoparticles (PLNPs), previously pioneered at UTCBS for in vivo bioimaging applications and which have demonstrated strong advantages as compared to fluorescent probes will be used. PLNPs are innovative probes that can store the excitation energy and then release photons for a long time after ceasing excitation, thus completely avoiding autofluorescence interference and enabling highly sensitive detection.

The UTCBS lab has recently shown that the luminescence intensity of PLNPs can be modified in the presence of H2O2 (patent pending). H2O2 is very important for diagnosis and sensors of H2O2 are of broad interest for biochemical assays. The quantification of H2O2 is very important in in vitro enzyme- linked assays (ELISA) that generate or consume H2O2, which threfore represents a potential biomolecule intermediate for the detection of disease protein biomarkers, such as IgG or PSA antigens.

The objective of this project will be to use the phenomenon of signal modification for the in vitro detection and quantification of these biomolecules. To this end, the post-doctoral researcher will be mainly involved in developing experimental conditions to apply PLNPs for in vitro biosensing, in order to achieve lower detection of H2O2 and of any substrates able of producing H2O2 in situ. This very attractive prospect could lead to new, highly sensitive and easy-to-use biosensors.

Candidates : We are looking for a candidate with a PhD in nanomedicine with expertise in the synthesis, surface functionalization and physico-chemical characterization of nanoparticles with biological applications, in vitro or in vivo. Ideally the candidate should already have expertise in ELISA or LFIA tests.

The position will be located at the Faculty of Pharmacy in Paris (UTCBS) and at Ecole Polytechnique (LOB) in Palaiseau.

The position will start in September-October 2023 for a period of one year, with the possibility of a second year extension.

Candidates should send their CV to Cyrille Richard (cyrille.richard@u-paris.fr) and Cédric Bouzigues (cedric.bouzigues@polytechnique.edu).