Photomodulation of Busulfan: a dual therapeutic strategy against skin cancers and associated viral infections

The Laboratoire Lorrain de Chimie Moléculaire (L2CM, UMR 7053) is a joint research unit of Université de Lorraine and the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), located in Nancy, France. Established in 2018, the laboratory brings together approximately 40 permanent researchers and 20 PhD students and postdoctoral researchers.

L2CM is a multidisciplinary research laboratory covering organic and organometallic chemistry, coordination chemistry, catalysis, physical chemistry and chemistry for life sciences. Its research is centred on the design, synthesis and characterization of molecular systems, from their preparation to the study of their chemical, physical and biological properties.

The laboratory promotes strong interactions between complementary scientific disciplines, fostering research projects at the interface of chemistry, biology, materials science and medicine, with applications in major societal challenges including health, energy and the environment.

L2CM hosts several research teams and dedicated scientific platforms, providing access to expertise and advanced facilities for molecular synthesis, biological applications, mass spectrometry and photochemistry.

Laboratory: Laboratoire Lorrain de Chimie Moléculaire (L2CM), Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France

Supervisors: Dr Florence Dumarçay-Charbonnier & Dr Mihayl Varbanov

Duration: 6 months

Period: January–July 2027 preferred; other six-month periods can also be considered according to the candidate’s academic schedule

The project

From light as a risk factor to light as a therapeutic tool

While certain forms of light radiation can contribute to harmful biological effects, light can also be harnessed to trigger or modulate therapeutic activity. This duality is at the heart of the B-DUAL project, which aims to develop innovative photomodulated systems for therapeutic applications.

The B-DUAL project explores an innovative approach combining busulfan, cyclodextrins and a photosensitizer within a single supramolecular system (Bu–CD–PS). Busulfan provides the pharmacological activity, the cyclodextrin acts as a solubilizing and delivery platform, while the photosensitizer enables controlled light activation.

The project aims to explore photodynamic (PDT) and/or photothermal therapy (PTT), with a particular focus on activation in the near-infrared region (NIR, 650–900 nm), for potential applications in skin cancers and associated viral infections.

The project is deliberately exploratory and aims to establish an initial proof of concept for a therapeutic strategy combining anticancer and antiviral potential.

Internship activities

The intern will contribute to the development of B-DUAL systems, from molecular design and synthesis to their initial biological evaluation:

• synthesis and/or functionalization of cyclodextrins and photosensitizers;
• conjugation and assembly of CD–PS and Bu–CD–PS systems;
• purification and physicochemical characterization;
• UV–visible spectroscopy, fluorescence and photoreactivity studies;
• evaluation of singlet oxygen (¹O₂) generation and, where relevant, photothermal properties;
• investigation and optimization of NIR irradiation conditions;
• comparison of busulfan, busulfan–cyclodextrin and Bu–CD–PS, with and without irradiation.

Depending on project progress, the intern may also participate in biological studies using skin cancer cell models and antiviral models, including HSV-1, HSV-2, CMV and BKPyV.

An interdisciplinary chemistry–biology project

The internship combines organic and supramolecular chemistry, medicinal chemistry, photophysics and biology. The work will be carried out at L2CM, with access to research platforms at Université de Lorraine and to the PhotoNS platform for irradiation and phototherapy studies.

The intern will have the opportunity to follow a research workflow ranging from molecular design to biological evaluation, within an interdisciplinary and international research environment.

Candidate profile

We are looking for a Master 2 / MSc student in Chemistry, Molecular Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Supramolecular Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry or a closely related field.

A solid background in organic synthesis is expected, together with an interest in supramolecular chemistry, photophysics and biomedical applications. Previous experience in synthesis, molecular characterization, photophysics, formulation or biology would be an advantage.

The candidate should be curious, independent, rigorous and motivated by interdisciplinary research. A good level of scientific English is required; an international profile or previous academic/research experience abroad will be particularly appreciated.

Perspectives

B-DUAL is an emerging project with strong scientific potential. The work may lead to scientific publications, conference presentations and new research collaborations, with potential opportunities for valorization and further research, including PhD-level research.