Missions

The postdoc is part of the MAGIC project entitled “Magnetic field-induced delivery of anticancer drugs from magnetic nanocomposites”, which has been funded by the multi-organism thematic institute (ITMO) on cancer as part of its PCSI call “Interdisciplinary approaches to oncogenic processes and therapeutic perspectives: Contributions of physics, chemistry and engineering sciences to oncology”. The target application is to develop an innovative therapy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PA), a highly lethal cancer. Patients diagnosed with PA are candidates for chemotherapy, but no current protocol is sufficiently effective, due to the fibrotic microenvironment of PA, whose fibrillar collagen-rich extracellular matrix (ECM) limits the penetration and diffusion of chemotherapies into the tumor. Due to the high cytotoxicity of anticancer agents against healthy cells, the aim is to deliver them instead via nanovectors developed to improve the bioavailability of the cytotoxic agent and reduce its side effects. Among these, biocompatible and biodegradable polymer nanoparticles such as PLGA (polylactic-co-glycolic acid) have already been clinically validated for their high drug loading capacity and biocompatibility. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) made of iron oxide are biocompatible systems for cancer diagnosis and therapy. They can be encapsulated in other nanomaterials to develop anti-cancer nanomedicines with inducible delivery under magnetic fields.
The interdisciplinary MAGIC project brings together biologists, chemists and physicists, and aims to develop innovative, targeted drug delivery systems that can be induced by a rotating or oscillating magnetic field. These are PLGA-based composite nanoparticles encapsulating chemotherapeutic agents and MNPs and functionalized with a peptide (Collagelin) to target fibrillar collagen in the ECM. These nanocomposites will be remotely activated by specific magnetic fields releasing local thermal or mechanical energy, with aim to denature collagen fibers and deliver a controlled dose of cytotoxic agents to the tumor and limit side effects.

Activités

The postdoc's tasks at LCPO will involve formulating anisotropic (more precisely, elongated) nanometric objects to induce mechanical torques on ECM fibers when subjected to a low-frequency (1-10Hz) rotating magnetic field. In a target size range of 100-300 nm, these nanoobjects will be prepared from polymer (PLGA), either commercial or synthesized at LCPO, and nanoparticles (MNP). Two different methods will be applied to achieve shape anisotropy, either by mechanical deformation of initially isotropic particles, or by self-assembly of the polymer and MNPs in a microfluidic channel subjected to a magnetic field. Biochemical functionalization with Collagelin will be carried out in collaboration with project partners in Paris and Toulouse. Alternatively, the MNPs themselves will be non-spherical: either nanorods (synthesized in Paris), or multicore “nanoflowers” (synthesized at LCPO), the latter releasing a thermal dose in response to the application of a high-frequency magnetic field (100 to 300 kHz).

Compétences

The profile sought is that of a nanomaterials physicochemist. Previous experience in the synthesis of either biocompatible polymers (especially polyesters) or inorganic nanoparticles (especially MNPs) would be appreciated. Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary consortium (chemistry, physics, biology) will also be required.

Contexte de travail

The Laboratory of Organic Polymer Chemistry (LCPO) is a joint research unit affiliated to the CNRS, the University of Bordeaux and the Bordeaux Polytechnic Institute (https://www.lcpo.fr). The LCPO is organized into 4 research teams with a total strength of nearly 150 people, including about 50 permanent staff.
With 40 years of expertise in polymer chemistry, researches at LCPO aim at:
- developing innovative methodologies for precision synthesis of polymers, using in particular biomimetic and/or green chemistry pathways
- designing functional polymer materials by macromolecular engineering and self-assembly, in the fields of renewable materials, health and energy
- establishing strong links with the socio-economic world.
The work of the recruited agent will be carried out in team 3 entitled "Self-assembly of Polymers and Life Sciences" headed by Sébastien Lecommandoux, and in collaboration with three academic partners in Paris and Toulouse. Team 3 of LCPO explores the design biomimetic and biofuntional nano and microparticles, especially polymersomes, with the following main focuses:
- synthesis and self-assembly of block copolymers based on polypeptides, polysaccharides and proteins
- formulation of functional nanoparticles for the targeted delivery and controlled release of active ingredients (therapy and theranostic)
- design of artificial cells (protocells) as membrane models and biological factory.

Contraintes et risques

Standard health and safety conditions for working in a chemical laboratory, with the main risk being that of encapsulating a cytotoxic agent (Gemcitabin, Paclitaxel ou 5-Fluorouracil), the biological experiments being then carried out by collaborators in Toulouse.

Informations complémentaires

21.5-month contract (mid-December 2025 to end September 2027)