Research
PlasmaPLUS is focused on creating a diverse family of prodrugs using a structure-activity relationship (SAR) approach. The team is currently synthesising and characterising pyrazolopyrimidinones, employing advanced techniques such as NMR, IR, HRMS, and CHN analysis. Their synthetic chemistry research has already been showcased at the 75th Irish Universities Chemistry Research Colloquium and the Chemical Biology Ireland Conference, where their poster won a prestigious award.
The prodrugs are undergoing extensive testing for cytotoxicity against glioblastoma cells through both 2D and advanced 3D cell culture protocols at TU Dublin. The integration of computational chemistry in compound design is essential for identifying promising lead candidates. The team is also developing key experimental systems, including spheroid cultures and 3D bioprinting, to model tumour microenvironments accurately.
A notable feature of PlasmaPLUS is its innovative use of Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP) to activate prodrugs directly at the tumour site. This programmable therapeutic platform will enable precise regulation of prodrug activation, allowing for targeted control over the concentration, type, duration, and location of cytotoxic agents within cells. This approach aims to enhance treatment efficacy while minimizing the side effects commonly associated with cancer therapies.