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Microplastics in the marine environment: analytical considerations, emerging sources, and protocol validation
No full textMicroplastics particles, with a size range between 1µm to 5 mm are established in all ecosystems, from the poles to the equator, and in a wide range of organisms including mammals, birds, fish, and invertebrates. Microplastics are contaminants and act as vectors for chemical pollutants in the environment. The sources of microplastics are direct, such as microbeads, or indirect, such as fragmentation of larger items of debris. The present work investigated microplastics from the perspective of previously unidentified sources, deposition in intertidal and subtidal sediments, extraction mechanisms from the gastrointestinal tract of marine turtles, and interaction with metal contaminants. Microplastic white fibres were discovered in sediments next to a wastewater treatment plant. These fibres were compared to those found in sewage-related waste and consumer sanitary products like wet wipes and sanitary towels. The study found that 50% of the tested brands labelled as flushable contained a mixture of PET and cellulose, while the rest contained cellulose alone. The accumulation of sewage-related waste and macro-debris (including wet wipes and sanitary towels) intermingled with seaweed biomass was associated with a combined sewer overflow, and the microplastic fibres extracted from this waste were similar to those found in the intertidal sediments close to the WWTP over a ten-month period. The result of this study highlights that wet wipes and sanitary towels flushed down toilets are a significant source of microplastic fibres in the environment. The present work also examined the microplastics content of intertidal and subtidal sediments at 87 locations in habitats designated as Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) on the coastline of Ireland. Microplastic abundance was closely related to distance from known sources and concentrations were greater in intertidal as opposed to subtidal sediments. Colourless, polyethylene fibers and polypropylene fragments were the most abundant microplastic recorded, and finer-grained sediments were shown to entrap more microplastics than coarser sediments. The results demonstrate that an understanding of potential sources of pollution, sediment type, and hydrodynamic conditions are important in terms of microplastic abundance and distribution in marine sediments and for effective waste management strategies and policy aimed at reducing the global plastics problem. This work also developed a new extraction protocol for the removal of microplastics from the digestive tract of turtles using a combination and modification of pre established methods. The results observed from the chymes tested facilitated the development of an improved protocol for microplastic extraction, reducing contamination and enhancing the efficiency of the technique
The use of the bio-design innovation process to identify an unmet clinical need in kidney stones disease
No full textThe prevalence and impact of kidney stones, medically known as renal calculi, have garnered significant attention due to their propensity to cause excruciating pain and potential complications. The prevalence of the condition is increasing globally. Current stone removal treatment options are prone to leaving residual fragments, which can have serious complications for the patient. In this thesis, how the need to address remaining residual fragments came about using the Biodesign innovation process is discussed. This thesis delves into the multifaceted landscape of kidney stone disease, exploring its epidemiology, risk factors, pathophysiology, diagnostic techniques, and treatment strategies. By comprehensively analysing the factors contributing to kidney stone disease, this thesis aims to provide insights that could lead to more effective preventive measures and treatment modalities, ultimately alleviating the global health burden posed by kidney stone disease. The process of validating the need is also presented, including clinical validation, competitor analysis, and commercial potential. Finally, an innovated concept is developed in order to address the unmet clinical need.2026-06-0
Micromechanical modelling of poly-l-lactide degradation in bioresorbable polymeric stents
No full textBiodegradable semi-crystalline polymers, such as poly (L-lactic acid) (PLLA), have shown initially promising results as a replacement for permanent implants such as vascular stents, but their detailed mechanical response before and during degradation is not yet fully understood or easily predicted. There are many factors that could affect mechanical behaviour of polymers, such as crystallinity ( ), molecular orientation, molecular weight (), processing condition and temperature. This thesis aims to develop a computational modelling framework for biodegradable polymers. Our approach involves analysis of the microstructure, which evolves based on the degradation behaviour. The degradation results, which are required by the micromechanical model, include the molecular weight of the amorphous region, the crystalline volume fraction and the porosity (). First, a microscale finite element model of a semi-crystalline polymeric material, using a representative volume element (RVE) approach is created; amorphous, crystalline, and porous regions are considered. Crystalline regions are anisotropic and randomly oriented. Periodic boundary conditions are applied to the RVE and effective modulus (̅) is determined. Second, numerical results are validated against theoretical bounds and simulations reveal stress concentrations for some microstructures. A parameter space of and is created with a microstructure for each combination to map the mechanical behaviour. This database builds a framework to predict the modulus during degradation instead of running a simulation every time. This database is expanded to add third parameters (porosity) and investigate how this contributes to changes in Young’s modulus during degradation. In the third phase of the thesis, an integrated degradation framework is developed using user subroutines to predict the effective modulus at each integration point by the finite element solver. This degradation framework couples two frameworks: (i) a micromechanical model that investigates the effect of changes in crystallinity and molecular weight over degradation on evolving mechanical response, as described earlier; (ii) a physically-based model that previously implemented in Abaqus/Standard (Shine et al., 2021, 2017). The integrated degradation framework is used to predict the degradation response of a deployed PLLA stent into a mock vessel. Moreover, two diffusion boundary conditions are considered. This degradation framework is expanded to investigate the influence of heterogeneity in crystallinity after the deployment process at stent hinges. Finally, using a micromechanical model of a two-phase material, the RVE framework is expanded to explore changes in ductility before degradation and ductility and tensile strength during degradation. In particular, the role of plasticity in the amorphous phase in the post-yield behaviour of the semi crystalline polymer is explored2025-03-1
Cardioneuroablation using epicardial pulsed field ablation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation
No full textAtrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia affecting millions of people worldwide. The cardiac autonomic nervous system (ANS) is widely recognized as playing a key role in both the initiation and propagation of AF. This paper reviews the background and development of a unique cardioneuroablation technique for the modulation of the cardiac ANS as a potential treatment for AF. The treatment uses pulsed electric field energy to selectively electroporate ANS structures on the epicardial surface of the heart. Insights from in vitro studies and electric field models are presented as well as data from both pre-clinical and early clinical studies.peer-reviewe
Insights into microbial acclimation to salinity in high-rate anaerobic digestion
No full textIn recent years, anaerobic digestion (AD) has been investigated as a suitable biotechnology to treat wastewater at elevated salinities. Nevertheless, when starting up AD reactors with inocula that are not adapted to salinity, low concentrations of sodium (Na+) (i.e., 3.9 g/L or 10 g/L as NaCl) can already cause disintegration of microbial aggregates and wash-out. One of the strategies to overcome this issue is the acclimation of non-saline biomass to saline conditions, which, however, can take over 200 days. Several acclimation strategies have been proposed to shorten this time, including amendments with osmolytes or other cations like potassium (K+) or calcium (Ca2+), a stepwise salinity increase, or using different reactor configurations. Still, no defined approach ensures a stable process performance in the long term, which is crucial for full-scale applications. Therefore, the main objective of this PhD thesis was to study the microbial dynamics and the salinity tolerance of the microbiome during the acclimation of non-saline anaerobic granular sludges fed with saline synthetic media and to develop an acclimation strategy to ensure a reliable and resilient AD reactor operation with a real saline industrial effluent. The first experimental chapter (Chapter 3) studied the acclimation of two non-saline granular sludges in a hybrid expanded granular sludge bed (EGSB) reactor equipped with a pumice stone filter in the upper section, fed with saline synthetic media. After initial granule disintegration due to a sudden salinity increase to 5 g Na+/L, re-aggregation occurred relatively fast (i.e., after 95 days of operation). Na+ replaced Ca2+ as the main cation in the sludge’s matrix, but this did not hamper biomass retention, and the process performance remained stable with average soluble chemical oxygen demand (sCOD) removal of 95%, average methane content of 67%, and relatively low but stable methane yields (average 80% and an average methane content of 65% was achieved at an organic loading rate (OLR) < 4 g COD/L d and low ionic strengths (<0.15M), regardless of the inocula origin. A sudden increase in the OLR to 6 g COD/L d and ionic strength to 0.30 M (triggered by a rise in the Cl- levels to 8 g/L) led to process deterioration in all the systems. When fed with a synthetic saline media, as in Chapter 3, the reactors with the previously acclimated biomass recovered while the one with non-acclimated granules remained inhibited. The results of the ionic composition of the biomasses and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) images revealed that calcium phosphate precipitates formed on the surface of the non-acclimated granules, likely due to the release of Ca2+ ions from their matrix during the osmotic up shock, causing severe mass-transfer limitations and thus, process failure. On the other hand, with the previously acclimated biomasses, calcium phosphate precipitation on the surface of the granules did not occur due to their ionic composition, with Na+ as the main cation instead of Ca2+. However, the process gradually deteriorated in those systems due to a volatile fatty acid (VFA) accumulation caused by increased OLR and presumably the limited bioavailability of trace elements in the wastewater due to the high PO43- concentrations. These results provide practical insights into treating saline industrial effluents since they may contain toxic/inhibitory compounds other than Na+, which can negatively affect the process performance. Finally, Chapter 5 investigated the emergence of filamentous fungi within two of the high rates AD systems used in the previous trials. In both cases, the fungi emergence did not have a negative effect on the process performance. Batch tests revealed that the fungal-prokaryotic consortia had a higher salinity tolerance (up to 20 g Na+/L) than the conventional acclimated bacteria-archaea consortia (12 g Na+/L). Key correlations between the different domains were identified by applying a novel multi-omic method, in which the 16S rRNA gene sequences (the prokaryotic dataset) were integrated with the ITS1 gene sequences (the fungi dataset). The results revealed a syntrophic interaction between acetoclastic methanogenic Methanothrix and ascomycetes from the Scedosporium complex, which was proposed as the main driver of the filamentous emergence in the systems. Overall, this study showed the potential of filamentous fungi for degrading soluble organic pollutants under saline conditions, which can be coupled with methane production. In summary, this PhD thesis provides practical insights to facilitate start-ups and enhance and stabilize methane productivity of AD reactors treating saline effluents.2025-02-1
Development and testing of behaviour change based intervention for machine related safety on farms
No full textBackground Farm machinery-related injuries are a growing concern worldwide, posing serious risks to farmers' safety and leading to severe disabilities or fatalities. As the farming population ages and farming machinery evolves, the need to address long-term safety becomes crucial. Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of behaviour change interventions in improving farm practices. To ensure the successful adoption of safe farming practices, understanding the factors that contribute to farmers' behaviour is important. This understanding allows for developing and tailoring behaviour change interventions to the specific needs and challenges faced by the target population. However, there has been limited work on developing theory driven interventions to increase machine safety among farmers. This thesis aims to develop and test a behaviour change-based intervention focused on enhancing tractor-related safety on farms, with a particular focus on Irish farmers. The research involved collaboration with Irish farmers, experts in agricultural safety, and relevant stakeholders to ensure the intervention's relevance and practicality. Aim The aim of the project was the systematic development and feasibility testing of a behaviour change based intervention to increase machine-related safety on farms. Methods and Results This thesis encompassed four interlinking studies guided by the Behaviour Change Wheel framework for developing behaviour change-based interventions. Study 1 (Systematic Review): The systematic review (Chapter 3) employed the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) framework and the Behaviour Change Technique (BCT) taxonomy to investigate machine-related farm safety interventions comprehensively. This review revealed gaps in addressing demographic factors, specific machine-related behaviours, and intervention complexity. Additionally, it emphasised the need for tailored interventions and rigorous reporting and evaluation of the active ingredients of the intervention. Further analysis highlighted the significant role of tractors and quad bikes in farm accidents, vulnerability among older farmers and children, and the limited attention to older farmers in safety initiatives. This foundational study informed subsequent research directions, providing essential insights into farm machine safety interventions. Study 2 (Focus Group Discussions): This qualitative study explored the perspectives and experiences of older Irish farmers concerning farm machinery safety, with a particular focus on tractors and quad bikes. Utilising the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation-Behaviour (COM-B) model, the focus group discussions identified a range of high-risk behaviours associated with machine operation and safety. The study identified the barriers and facilitators influencing the adoption of safe machinery operation practices. This study also explored farmers' attitudes towards behaviour change techniques (BCTs) identified in the systematic review. These insights highlighted the need to tailor interventions for specific demographic groups and the significance of promoting age-appropriate safety measures for older farmers. Study 3 (Co-design workshop): This study aimed to tailor farm safety intervention to the unique needs of older Irish farmers. Two co-design workshops with international farm safety experts and stakeholders were conducted to achieve these objectives. These workshops identified potential target behaviours, barriers, enablers, and intervention components and delivery methods. A web-based rank order survey was used to prioritise target behaviours, and findings from the survey guided discussions during the workshops. Subsequently, with the Teagasc Advisory Team, a feasibility screening to finalise the selection of target behaviours, behaviour change techniques, and modes of delivery based on predefined criteria and empirical evidence. Key target behaviours identified were (i) allocation of attention to machinery operation and the local environment and (ii) installing and using appropriate safety devices on machinery. Barriers included limited knowledge, while facilitators included peer support. The BeSafe tractor safety intervention strategically incorporated BCTs such as 1.1 Goal setting (behaviour), 1.4. Action planning, 4.1. Instruction on how to perform the behaviour, and 13.1 Identification of self as a role model. The study highlighted the importance of tailoring farm safety intervention to different farm types and age groups. Collaboration with the Teagasc Advisory Team ensured practicality, enhancing real-world applicability. Study 4 (Feasibility trial): Study 4, the final stage of this research, involved the feasibility trial of the BeSafe tractor safety intervention. The trial assessed the acceptability, feasibility, and fidelity of the intervention components and the overall intervention among Irish farmers. The BeSafe intervention, developed based on the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) framework, encompassed in-person demo sessions, a facilitated discussion, a personalised safety training procedure template, a demonstration kit, and an SMS reminder. The trial included both older and younger farmers, with a focus on enhancing awareness about tractor blind spots. Results from the feasibility trial indicated a positive reception of the intervention among participants. Farmers appreciated the farmer-centric approach, actively engaging with the intervention components. Peer-to-peer demonstrations were particularly effective in promoting peer-to-peer learning and safer farm machine operation practices. This study demonstrated the potential of a theory-driven, stakeholder-informed, behaviour change based intervention to improve machine-related safety on farms. Conclusion In conclusion, this thesis presents a systematic and comprehensive approach for developing a theoretically driven, stakeholder-informed, and behaviour change based intervention to improve farm machine safety. This thesis describes a novel attempt in the development of machine-safety interventions, offering a documented systematic approach firmly rooted in the BCW framework and substantiated by empirical evidence. The studies included in this thesis have contributed to the literature by providing a greater understanding of safety behaviour among Irish farmers, including novel insights on the potential behaviour change strategies to raise awareness among the farming population and enhance the adoption of safer farm practices. Overall, the findings and recommendations presented in this thesis have the potential to contribute to the efforts to address the high injury and fatality rates in the agricultural industry, ultimately promoting a safer working environment for farmers
Enhancing blood circulation time and performance of nano-drug delivery systems using nanoparticles and hydrogels
No full textMesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) and hydrogels are some of the most sought-after methods of nano-drug delivery systems. Properties such as high biocompatibility, selectivity and loading capacity are among the many reasons as to the myriad of research performed using them as nano-drug delivery systems in addition to the increasing demand for more effective and safer treatments of cancer and cardiovascular disease. The aim of this project is to enhance blood circulation to improve the delivery of nano-drug systems, with the desired result being the development of more effective, ergonomic, and safer anti-cancer drugs replacing cisplatin as the standard chemotherapy treatment, with great emphasis on the carriers of the drugs; mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) and hydrogels. The MSNs, although synthesized, successfully aminofunctionalised and separated from their template (CTAB), and coated with gelatin, were only partially crosslinked with aldehyde groups, meaning that reliable pH-responsive surface linkers for targeting tumour cells were incomplete. Hydrogels were later synthesised as alternative drug delivery systems for anti cancer drugs: chitosan was initially used as the primary polymer and β-glycerophosphate as the crosslinking agent, but were generally irreversible: once solidified at physiological temperature (37 °C), they did not reliquefy. They released drugs at quicker rates than allowed for sustained release. Pluronic F-127-based hydrogels were reversible, solidifying at physiological temperature and reliquefying at room temperature, but had a relatively short shelf life, as they decomposed in the presence of water after 3 days at physiological temperature
A numerical modelling investigation of jellyfish transport and swimming behavior in Killary Harbour using a coastal hydrodynamic model
No full textThe occurrence of jellyfish in coastal areas, particularly in large numbers or swarms, can pose a significant threat to tourism and aquaculture. They can sting swimmers and bathers, become entangled in fishing nets, and harm and/or kill farmed fish. There have been many records of fish kills and large associated economic losses reported globally. Despite their threat, there is still quite a limited understanding of the mechanisms of jellyfish transport and swarming. While jellyfish primarily drift passively on the ocean’s currents, they also have the ability to swim with and against currents. However, their swimming behaviours are poorly understood, and the effects of their swimming on their total transport are relatively unknown. In this research, a jellyfish transport model was developed and used to investigate jellyfish transport in Killary Harbour, a fjord on the west coast of Ireland. Killary was chosen as a case study site as it has experienced damage and mass kills of farmed fish by jellyfish in recent years. A 3D baroclinic hydrodynamic model of Killary Harbour was developed using the Environmental Fluid Dynamics Code (EFDC) and was coupled with a Lagrangian particle-tracking module to simulate the transport of jellyfish. The particle-tracking model was developed to produce three different jellyfish transport models incorporating different transport mechanisms (1) passive drifting only, (2) passive drifting and diel vertical migration and (3) passive drifting, diel vertical migration, and horizontal swimming. Jellyfish transport predictions were compared with recorded movements of tagged jellies within the fjord. Tagged jelly movements were detected by 8 GPS receivers placed along the banks of the fjord. The percentage of the available number of modelled particles within each detector’s range was determined temporally and compared with the GPS observations. The jellyfish modelled as passively drifting particles agreed relatively well with the observed jellyfish positions in the short term, but longer term, results were mixed. The diel vertical migration (DVM) model offers a new approach to investigating jellyfish DVM behaviour in coastal waters through the use of a constant migration limiting threshold depth and synchronised movement with passive drift. Although this resulted in some improvements in performance over the passive drift model, the results were varied. Finally, in the horizontal swimming model, swimming behaviours were incorporated through a set of swim rules that govern horizontal swimming rates and times, while vertical swimming is implemented according to the DVM strategy. The main factors influencing jellyfish transport in this model were found to be swim speed and swim direction. The motility of jellyfish, combined with tidal and wind-driven currents, in the model can indeed cause particles to be transported in a similar manner to the observed jellyfish. However, the results also suggest that individual variations in jellyfish, such as size and development, may play a role in their transport. Overall, these investigations provide valuable insights into understanding jellyfish transport mechanisms and their relative contributions to their total transport
Large-scale production of engineered Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) in a serum-free continuous culture bioreactor
No full textExtracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanoparticles produced by cells that facilitate intercellular communication through cargo transfer. When isolated from a biocompatible cell source, EVs can deliver therapeutic interventions directly to tumor sites. The study of EVs is limited by suitable approaches for scale up of production in reproducible, serum free conditions. This work addresses the need for large scale, dynamic serum free production of EVs.Triple negative breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) were transduced with lentivirus containing the sodium iodide symporter (NIS). PCR was used at multiple timepoints to confirm stable mRNA expression, with protein expression confirmed via immunocytochemistry. 1 x 109 cells were inoculated into a hollow fiber bioreactor and glucose consumption monitored daily. When stable 3D culture was established, the transition to serum free conditions was made. Glucose levels were used as an indicator of cell health, media requirements, and harvesting frequency. Cells were extracted at 5 time points, and 16 harvests of EV rich cell conditioned media (CCM) were performed. EVs were isolated from CCM via size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and analysed via nanoparticle tracking analysis and microBCA assay. Expression of NIS mRNA was confirmed in transduced cells (log102.6 fold increase), with protein localization to the cell membrane observed. Cells in the bioreactor consumed 367 mg of glucose within 24 hours, which decreased to an average of 240 mg/24 h over the next 6 days. By day 12, cells were established in the bioreactor and tolerated the transition to serum free culture well, indicated by increasing glucose consumption. Cells sampled from the 3D bioreactor retained original morphology and proliferative ability in 2D. Over the total 46 day culture period, cells retained elevated expression of NIS. EVs isolated via SEC were <200 nm in size and early SEC fractions contained 1.76 x 109 - 8.90 x 1010 EVs. Protein in these fractions did not exceed 16 μg/mL while later fractions contained up to 593 μg/mL. The total yield over the culture period was 4.30 x 1012 EVs. Both the yield and purity of EVs isolated via SEC from cells cultured in 3D dynamic serum free conditions were significantly improved compared to those isolated via ultracentrifugation from cells in 2D. This scalable approach to reproducible, serum free EV production will support advancement of this exciting field towards clinical translation.2025-02-2
Metal-based theranostic and therapeutic agents for the targeted treatment and imaging of tumors
No full textThe present PhD thesis resulted from the undertaking of two separate research projects, both anyway being strictly related to the rational design of metal complexes with potential therapeutic and/or diagnostic applications. The first project (discussed in Chapter 2) dealt with the design of vitamin B12-functionalized platinum(II)-based metallotheranostic agents for the targeted treatment and imaging of tumors. Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) is an essential nutrient with very low bioavailability. Upon cell internalization, it undergoes conversion into its cofactors methylcobalamin (used to produce methionine) and adenosylcobalamin (a coenzyme involved in Krebs cycle). Compared with normal ones, tumor cells show higher accumulation of vitamin B12 to support their abnormal proliferation, and such increased demand for cyanocobalamin can be exploited for the tumor specific delivery of therapeutic/diagnostic agents by functionalizing vitamin B12 with suitable metallodrugs and/or luminescent probes. In this context, we here report on the development of fluorescent vitamin B12-metallodrug conjugates of the type [FLUO-B12-{M}] in which cyanocobalamin is functionalized at the 5'- site of the ribose unit with a fluorophore (FLUO: Rhodamine 6G), whereas the CoIII -cyano moiety is coordinated to a metal-based anticancer scaffold ({M}: Pt(II) substrate). The rationale behind the proposed designing approach is based on the evidence that vitamin B12 is converted into its cofactors (methylcobalamin or adenosylcobalamin) inside the cell through the reduction of CoIII to CoII and the subsequent release of the cyano group. Therefore, by binding platinum(II)-containing bioactive substrates[4] to the cyanocobalamin CoIII -CN moiety, should the overall bioconjugate accumulate preferentially in the tumor cells, the cytotoxic species {CN-metallodrug} would be released directly into the diseased site where it can exert its anticancer activity without affecting healthy tissues. Additionally, the fluorophore attached at the 5'-ribose moiety would allow the transport and biodistribution to be followed and assessed by fluorescence spectroscopy. Four novel cyanocobalamin-platinum(II) derivatives were successfully generated and fully characterized, including the evaluation of their lipophilicity and luminescent properties. Although exhibiting low antiproliferative activity (IC50 = 40-70 M), both fluorescent vitamin B12-platinum(II) conjugates showed enhanced capability to inhibit cells viability compared with the inactive metal precursors and non-fluorescent vitamin B12-platinum(II) analogues, confirming the beneficial effect of the functionalization with the rhodamine scaffold not only for imaging purposes but also in a view to improving their biological activity. The second project (discussed in Chapter 3) involved the design of dual-action platinum(II)- and gold(III)-based selective G-quadruplex (G4) DNA binders for the targeted anticancer chemotherapy. In recent years, G4 nucleic acids have gained growing importance because of their potential involvement in preventing cancer cell proliferation and immortalization, and capability to inhibit oncogene transcription and expression. Therefore, the rational design of small molecules capable of selectively stabilizing G4 structures is a promising strategy to the development of potent anticancer drugs preferably targeting cancer cells over normal ones. Accordingly, the aim of the proposed project was to design metallodrugs in which a metal based anticancer agent is conjugated to selected G4-targeting fused heterocyclic ligands (e.g. 1,8-naphthalimide derivatives). The goal is to take advantage of the G4 binding properties of the heterocyclic scaffold to generate targeted chemotherapeutics capable of stabilizing G4 and, thus, blocking tumor cell growth/proliferation. Remarkably, should preferential accumulation of the overall metal conjugate into tumor cells be achieved, the cytotoxic metal-containing moiety would also exert its antiproliferative activity only against diseased tissues without affecting healthy ones, thus acting as a “dual-action” anticancer agent. Six novel 1,8-naphthalimide-containing metal complexes based on platinum(II)- or gold(III)- dithiocarbamato scaffolds were successfully generated and fully characterized, including the evaluation of their lipophilicity, stability in solution and luminescent properties. A number of biological studies were carried out and the best performer, the gold(III) complex Au2' was shown to: (i) IG50 values the low micromolar or sub-micromolar range, (ii) trigger the generation of large amounts of ROS without inducing mitochondria depolarization, and (iii) to be quickly taken up by cells and homogeneously localized within the entire cellular space.2026-01-0