We are pleased to share the news that an international team led by Dr. Katar\u00edna \u0160ipo\u0161ov\u00e1 from the Institute of Experimental Physics SAS has succeeded in an international call and has been awarded a NATO project. The MYP project \u201cSMARTMat-RAD \u2013 Nanotherapy of Radiation Injuries\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
The aim of this project is to develop two complementary therapeutic approaches \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
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 \u201csmart\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
Five research teams from different European countries are collaborating on this project:<\/p>\n
One of the important parts of this project is involvement of two end-user partners, Innovative Company of Basalt Technologies<\/strong> and Civil Protection (PROFI) Manager\u2019s Association<\/strong> (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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n