Nanotherapy for treatment of systemic disorders and skin injuries after severe radiation exposure

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We are pleased to share the news that an international team led by Dr. Katarína Šipošová from the Institute of Experimental Physics SAS has succeeded in an international call and has been awarded a NATO project. The MYP project “SMARTMat-RAD – Nanotherapy of Radiation Injuries” responds to the growing risk of severe radiation injuries that may affect civilian populations as well as emergency responders as a result of military conflicts, nuclear accidents, or terrorist attacks.

The aim of this project is to develop two complementary therapeutic approaches — systemic (oral) and local, based on the use of bioactive inorganic nanomaterials and advanced hydrogels. This approach is intended to support the treatment of systemic disorders and skin lesions caused by exposure to radiation, accelerate healing and offer practical solutions applicable in emergency medicine and clinical practice.

The main innovation of the project is development of nanocomposites with antioxidant, antibacterial, radioprotective and sorption properties incorporated into a hydrogel. This results in a two-component “smart” system: intelligent enterosorbent (CSE) designed for systemic treatment and an intelligent applicator (CSA) for the management of wounds and burns. This approach is flexible, easy to use and suitable for rapid deployment in critical situations, including mass events.

Five research teams from different European countries are collaborating on this project:

  • Institute of Experimental Physics SAS (IEP SAS, Slovensko); NPD: Dr. Katarína Šipošová, PhD.
  • V. I. Vernadsky Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry, NASU Ukraine (IGIC-NASU); PD: Dr. Yuliia Shlapa, PhD.
  • R. E. Kavetsky Institute of Experimental Pathology, Oncology and Radiobiology, NAS Ukraine (IEPOR); Co-A: Dr. Veronika Sarnatskaya, Dr. Sci.
  • BCMaterials – Basque Center for Materials, Applications & Nanostructures (Spain); Co-B: Dr. Viktor Petrenko, PhD.
  • National Institute of Materials Physics (NIMP, Romania); Co-C: Dr. Valentin-Adrian Maraloiu, PhD.

One of the important parts of this project is involvement of two end-user partners, Innovative Company of Basalt Technologies and Civil Protection (PROFI) Manager’s Association (CPPMAS). Their role is to bring the research results into end product, including pilot production and preclinical testing, and to study the effectiveness and usability of the developed therapeutic solutions.

The project officially began with a Kick-Off meeting held on February 3, 2026 (effective project start date: February 1, 2026), bringing together all principal investigators along with a representative of the NATO office. During the meeting, the research activities of the individual teams were presented, key tasks were agreed upon, and organizational and administrative matters were discussed.

All participants believe that through joint efforts the project goals will be successfully achieved and that the development of SMART nanotherapy for radiation injuries will be significantly advanced.

For more information, please visit the NATO project G8914 website:
https://sites.google.com/view/natospsg8914/domov