In his dissertation, the newly baked PhD took up the subject of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. He developed methods by which those could be studied before they could be used effectively in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The doctoral dissertation was conducted at the Faculty of Chemistry, in the Division of Analytical Chemistry, under the supervision of Magdalena Matczuk, PhD.

– Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles have great potential in many areas of life – explains Jacek Sikorski, PhD – Due to their size, however, they differ in properties from the macroscopic forms of magnetite. Therefore, numerous studies are required to check their physicochemical properties and whether and how they will interact with elements of various biological matrices, in the human body or the environment.

The research by a new doctor from the Warsaw University of Technology focused on a special kind of magnetism of iron oxide nanoparticles. It is this feature that is perceived as a chance for their wider use in medicine.

​​– My research concerned the future use of this type of nanoparticles as carriers of various active compounds, which could thus be selectively and effectively delivered to tumor foci in the body – says Jacek Sikorski, PhD – As a chemist analyst, I was involved in the development of methods that will allow to determine what change these nanomaterials undergo when they are introduced into human blood.

Against the tide

However, the work proved to be a huge research challenge.

– Previously, in the research group, we successfully conducted experiments of this type on other types of nanomaterials – says Magdalena Matczuk, PhD, supervisor of the first doctoral dissertation conducted at the PW Doctoral School. – In the literature, on the other hand, there was quite little information about analytical work on superparamagnetic ones, so we found it to be an ideal research niche. However, we did not expect so many problems of a research nature. We suspect that their cause is precisely magnetism. This feature makes these nanomaterials extremely attractive medically, but, on the other hand, it is also their curse, because it makes it impossible to monitor their changes.

It is worth mentioning that superparamagnetic nanoparticles are already used in medicine – as markers in magnetic resonance imaging, and thus for the visualization of tumors. They are called the first generation of SPIONs (SuperParamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles).

– Currently, intensive work is being carried out on their application also in the treatment of cancer – so that during one application to the patient's body it is possible to diagnose the disease and immediately treat it – explains Magdalena Matczuk, PhD – It is called a theranostic concept. The obstacle lies in the lack of methodologies that will allow to state at the preclinical stage that the nanomaterial acts in the predicted manner in conditions simulating the human body.

Jacek Sikorski's work does not bring ready-made solutions to the problem, but it has a different, perhaps even more important value.

– We encountered many a problem during the work, so patience was absolutely crucial – points out the supervisor of the dissertation. – For people of the younger generation, the effect often has to be immediate. It wasn't the case here, though. Against all the odds, Jacek did not break down, but instead he continued to systematically check one approach after another. Ultimately, we decided to turn the disadvantages into advantages and present all the data received. In science, we have become accustomed to publishing only those research results that are successful, and we have gone against the tide. Jacek's doctoral thesis is an attempt to show, also to other researchers, not only those dealing with nanoparticles, that sometimes there are difficulties on the research path, but the knowledge resulting from them is also extremely valuable for the scientific community.

Magdalena Matczuk, PhD, emphasizes another important conclusion from the work.

– Let everyone be aware – that these types of nanomaterials are promising, but there are no methodologies that would allow to effectively study their behavior in the human body. Perhaps, thanks to what we have published, we can help other researchers find other tools to achieve this goal?

This is how people should be taught

Research difficulties are one thing. Organizational difficulties are another one. In his work, Jacek Sikorski also had to deal with the effects of the pandemic, including limited access to laboratories, as well as cancelled or switched into online scientific conferences. The challenge was also to adapt to the newly created procedures related to the first defense at the Doctoral School at the Warsaw University of Technology.

Nevertheless, Mr Jacek Sikorski did complete the research, prepared scientific publications (he is a co-author of five) and defended the dissertation before the expiry of the four years designated for this purpose. He finished his laboratory work after three years. The last year was spent on writing, and then preparing for the exam and defense and completing the necessary formalities.

What helped him considerably along the entire difficult doctoral path was exemplary cooperation with Magdalena Matczuk, PhD, who provided scientific supervision over the dissertation.

– This relationship and understanding we achieved has had a tremendous impact, – our new PhD stresses.

– It has to be mutual, his supervisor adds. – Not only should the doctoral student want what the supervisor advises him, but also the supervisor should understand that the goal is to make the doctoral student outdo the supervisor in this topic at some point. This is how people should be taught to come out of this assumption and only then it brings the greatest satisfaction. 

A doctor

– The stress I experienced during the defense was extreme, I am a person who tends to get nervous about public speeches, although I try to conceal it – the young researcher admits. – For the first time, I presented what I do in front of my parents, friends and acquaintances from outside the University, with whom I do not talk about such topics on a daily basis.  

The work received very positive reviews. The defense itself was carried out in a way that left no doubt about the decision of the Scientific Council for the Discipline of Chemical Sciences to award the doctoral degree.

Now it's time for the next challenges – Jacek Sikorski, PhD, will take part in a competition for the position of a postdoctoral research assistant in a new project implemented in the Division of Analytical Chemistry at the Faculty of Chemistry of the Warsaw University of Technology.

– Initially, I studied medicine for six months, but it was a little too much for me – both mentally and physically, he admits. – Why did I end up in chemistry? Probably because my brother was studying it, and so I already had some information. Then there was the master's degree, then the doctorate. That's a lot of very positive coincidences that sort of put me where I am today. My friends wrote to me in the greetings I got after the defense that I did not become a medical doctor, however, a Ph doctor I already did.