BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//CERN//INDICO//EN BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Review of Medical Physics in Africa DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260326T150000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260326T163000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260426T163508Z UID:indico-contribution-810-10349@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Stephen Inkoom (Radiation Protection Institute\, Gha na Atomic Energy Commission )\nThis talk is is actually this month's PHYSI CS MATTERS presentation of the American Physical Society (APS) Forum on In ternational Physics (FIP). \n\nThis talk has its [separate registration a nd Zoom link][1]..\n\n\n**Abstract:**\nMedical physics (MP) has been an in dispensable and strategic stakeholder in the delivery of healthcare in Afr ica\, with immense support to diagnostic radiology (DR)\, nuclear medicine (NM) and radiotherapy (RT).\n\nThere are eleven (11) countries that have MP academic programmes and seven (7) that have clinical training programme s in Africa\, by the use of a harmonized curriculum developed by the Inter national Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)\, with additional support from the tr aining of medical physicists through the International Centre for Theoreti cal Physics (ICTP) in Trieste\, Italy\, where one hundred and twenty-four (124) ICTP medical physics graduates have been trained since 2014/15 to 20 23/24 for ten (10) cycles.\n\nThe Federation of African Medical Physicist Organisations (FAMPO) was established in 2009\, and the Federation’s act ivities are extended throughout Africa and the local Islands in the Region . FAMPO promotes MP Professional Practice\, Education and Training\, Resea rch and Development within Africa. FAMPO region has more than 1\,200 Medic al Physicists for a population of about 1.3 billion. About sixty percent ( 60%) of MPs are in radiotherapy (RT)\; 30% in Medical Imaging\; 10% in Res earch & Industry. With respect to Medical Physicist recognition in Africa\ , only six (6) of the fifty-four (54) African countries have legislative r ecognition for MPs.\n\nFor the future\, FAMPO would continue to strengthen collaboration with National Member Organizations and members\, advocate f or legislative recognition of medical physicists\, enhance education and t raining opportunities for medical physicists\, collaborate with key bodies and institutions such as the International Organisation for Medical Physi cs (IOMP)\, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)\, American Associati on of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM)\, etc. to bridge the knowledge gap and equip medical physicists with the skills necessary to meet the growing de mands of the field.\n\nIt is expected that these initiatives and partnersh ips would promote medical physics profession within the region\, strengthe n research and innovation within the medical physics community in Africa\, enhance legislative recognition\, and expand and enhance FAMPO’s networ k and member engagement.\n\n\n-------------\n**Biography**:\nProf. Stephen Inkoom obtained his PhD degree in Medical Physics in 2014 from the Univer sity of Ghana. The PhD programme was a sandwich programme between the Univ ersity of Ghana and University of Crete\, Greece with support from the Int ernational Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Government of Ghana.\n\nPro f. Stephen Inkoom is currently a Deputy Director and Chief Research Scient ist at the Radiation Protection Institute of the Ghana Atomic Energy Commi ssion. He is also Associate Professor of Medical Physics\, School of Nucle ar and Allied Sciences\, University of Ghana. His work focuses on radiatio n protection\, medical physics\, and the safe application of nuclear and a ccelerator-based technologies in healthcare\, reserach and industry. He is actively involved in national and international initiatives supporting ca pacity building\, regulation\, and the development of medical physics in A frica\, working closely with organizations such as the IAEA and served as a Project Scientific Consultant for IAEA Project RAF9064- Improving the Ca pabilities of Member States for Radiation Protection of Member States\, In ternational Organization for Medical Physics (IOMP)\, Federation of Africa n Medical Physics Organizations (FAMPO) where He serves as the Secratray G eneral\, and others to strengthen education\, research\, and clinical prac tice of medical physics and radiation protection across the region. As Pro ject Coordinator for the NORPART Project\, 20+ Masters and PhD Students be nefitted from Students Exchange Programme for students from Universities i n Ghana for an Exchange Stay (2018-2023) at the Norwegian University of Sc ience and Technology (NTNU)\, Trondheim\, Norway in Medical Physics and Ra diation Protection Education. Additionally\, 500+ trainees benefited from Annual Summer Schools in Ghana (2016 – 2023) in Medical Physics and Radi ation Protection Education. He has mentored 50+ Medical Physics students f rom Africa\, and been playing a Leading role in Medical Physics education and training in Africa. Prof. Stephen Inkoom has 20 years of experience in radiation protection and medical physics practice\, providing leadership and mentorship in education and training\, research and professional devel opment both in Africa and globally.\n\n\n [1]: https://apsphysics.zoom.us /webinar/register/WN_YuPbgNXfTyuYA0ePH2BZBA#/registration\n\nMore about PH YSICS MATTERS\, https://engage.aps.org/fip/resources/activities/physics-ma tters\n\nDiscover International Engagement page\, https://www.aps.org/abou t/international\n\nand\n Free possible APS membership (https://www.aps. org/membership/join/physicists-worldwide) \n Free student membership\n More activities available by joining FIP (https://engage.aps.org/fip/ho me)\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/272/contributions/10349/ LOCATION: URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/272/contributions/10349/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Biophysical Modeling of Real-Time Cellular Mechanical Responses to Ionizing Radiation for Predicting Radiotherapy Outcomes DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260325T122000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260325T124000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260426T163508Z UID:indico-contribution-810-10342@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Nyasha Njanji (University of Zimbabwe)\nMedical biop hysics continues to expand the understanding of how physical forces and ra diation interact with biological systems. While traditional radiobiology f ocuses mainly on DNA damage and biochemical pathways\, the mechanical resp onses of cells to ionizing radiation remain relatively unexplored. This st udy proposes a novel approach that investigates how radiation exposure alt ers the mechanical properties of cancer cells\, including cellular stiffne ss\, membrane tension\, and cytoskeletal structure.\nThe research integrat es radiation physics with cellular biomechanics to analyze the real-time m echanical responses of cells during irradiation. Advanced biophysical tech niques such as atomic force microscopy and high-resolution optical imaging are proposed to measure changes in cell elasticity and deformation after controlled radiation exposure. These measurements are combined with comput ational modelling to establish correlations between radiation dose deposit ion and mechanical alterations within the cell.\nPreliminary theoretical m odels suggest that radiation-induced stress can cause rapid cytoskeletal r eorganization\, leading to measurable changes in cellular mechanical prope rties before conventional biological markers become detectable. Identifyin g these mechanical signatures may provide early indicators of cellular rad iation damage and radio-sensitivity.\nThe findings of this study could int roduce a new dimension in radiotherapy research by linking radiation–mat ter interactions with cellular biomechanics. Such insights may contribute to the development of rapid biophysical biomarkers for predicting treatmen t response and optimizing personalized radiotherapy strategies. Ultimately \, this interdisciplinary approach may enhance both the precision and effe ctiveness of modern cancer treatment.\n\nKeywords: Medical biophysics\, ce llular biomechanics\, ionizing radiation\, radiotherapy response\, cytoske leton mechanics\, predictive modeling\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/ 272/contributions/10342/ LOCATION: URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/272/contributions/10342/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Advances in MRI techniques for early detection and characterizatio n of brain tumors: A medical physics and biophysical perspective DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260325T120000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260325T122000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260426T163508Z UID:indico-contribution-810-10341@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Nyasha Njanji (University of Zimbabwe)\nEarly detect ion of brain tumors is essential for improving clinical outcomes and guidi ng effective therapeutic interventions. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) p lays a central role in neuro-oncology due to its non-invasive nature and s uperior soft-tissue contrast. Recent developments in MRI technology\, driv en by advances in medical physics and biophysical modeling\, have signific antly improved the sensitivity and specificity of brain tumor detection an d characterization. This study reviews key advanced MRI techniques\, inclu ding diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI)\, perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI)\, and functional MRI (fMRI) and their contributions to understanding tumor physiology and microstructure. Diffusion-weighted imaging quantifies the m icroscopic motion of water molecules\, providing biophysical information a bout cellular density and tissue architecture that helps distinguish tumor tissue from normal brain parenchyma. Perfusion-weighted imaging evaluates tumor vascularity and hemodynamic parameters\, offering insights into ang iogenesis and tumor grading. Functional MRI utilizes blood-oxygen-level-de pendent (BOLD) signal changes to map neural activity\, supporting the pres ervation of critical functional regions during neurosurgical planning. Fro m a medical physics perspective\, advancements in MRI acquisition protocol s\, signal modeling\, and quantitative imaging biomarkers have improved im age quality\, diagnostic reliability\, and reproducibility. The integratio n of these advanced MRI methods provides a comprehensive framework for ear ly tumor detection\, improved treatment planning\, and monitoring of thera peutic response. Continued progress in MRI physics and biophysical analysi s is expected to further enhance the role of imaging in precision neuro-on cology.\nKeywords: Medical Physics\, biophysics\, magnetic resonance imagi ng\, brain tumors\, diffusion-weighted imaging\, perfusion MRI\, functiona l MRI.\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/272/contributions/10341/ LOCATION: URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/272/contributions/10341/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Evaluation of Multifunctional Spinel and Hexaferrite Nanostructure s for Magnetic Hyperthermia and Advanced Tumor Therapy DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260325T114000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260325T120000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260426T163508Z UID:indico-contribution-810-10337@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Diaa EL-Rahman Rayan (Central Metallurgical Research & Development Institute (CMRDI))\, Mahmoud Ismail (Biophysics Branch an d Physics Department\, Faculty of Science\, Al-Azhar University\, Nasr Cit y\, Cairo\, Egypt)\nIn the present study\, a series of magnetic nanopartic les (MNPs) belonging to the spinel ferrite family (XFe2O4 where X = Mg\, C u\, Co\, Mn) and hexaferrite structures (Ba2Co2Fe12O22 and BaFe12O19) were synthesized using sol-gel and modified co-precipitation methods. The rese arch aims to optimize the structural and physical properties for localized cancer treatment via magnetic hyperthermia. The structural and morphologi cal characteristics were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and el ectron microscopy (FE-SEM/TEM)\, confirming the formation of pure crystall ine phases with tailored nanostructures. The optical properties were inves tigated using UV-visible spectroscopy\, revealing a significant dependence of the energy bandgap on the chemical composition and ion substitution. T he calculated bandgap values\, along with the magnetic parameters obtained from VSM\, were correlated to the induction heating performance. Under an alternating magnetic field (150–300 kHz)\, the specific absorption rate (SAR) values reached up to 350 W/g\, particularly in Mn-substituted coppe r ferrites.\nFurthermore\, the results indicate that the prepared MNPs\, e specially the optimized barium hexaferrite (Ba2Co2Fe12O22)\, exhibit a hig h potential for inhibiting tumor cell growth when activated by an external magnetic field. These findings highlight the potential of these optimized ferrites as high-performance agents for magnetic hyperthermia and multi-f unctional biomedical platforms\, offering a promising approach for non-inv asive thermal therapy.\nKeywords:\nMagnetic Hyperthermia\; Spinel Ferrites \; Hexaferrites\; substitution\; Optical Properties\; Bandgap\; Specific A bsorption Rate (SAR)\; Tumor Treatment.\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/even t/272/contributions/10337/ LOCATION: URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/272/contributions/10337/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Biogenic Silver Nanoparticles for Visible-Light Activated Breast C ancer Photodynamic Therapy DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260325T112000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260325T114000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260426T163508Z UID:indico-contribution-810-10317@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Isaac Baidoo (University of Johannesburg)\nSilver na noparticles (AgNPs) offer potent oncological potential via tunable SPR\, y et conventional toxicity remains a challenge. This study evaluates biogeni c synthesis and photoactivation as safer\, targeted alternatives for MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. Specifically\, plant-mediated (biogen ic) and chemically synthesized AgNPs were evaluated as wavelength-activate d nanotherapeutics under matched surface plasmon resonance excitation cond itions. Biogenic AgNPs exhibited an SPR maximum at ~466 nm\, whereas chemi cally synthesized AgNPs displayed a peak at ~401 nm. Upon irradiation at 4 70 nm (biogenic) and 405 nm (chemical) with a fluence of 5 J/cm²\, distin ct photophysical and biological responses were observed.\nChemically synth esized AgNPs demonstrated modest photothermal conversion (ΔT ≈ 2.8 °C) \, while biogenic AgNPs showed negligible thermal elevation (<1 °C)\, ind icating minimal reliance on hyperthermic mechanisms. However\, biogenic Ag NPs generated substantially higher photoinduced reactive oxygen species (R OS)\, producing approximately threefold greater total ROS relative to chem ically synthesized counterparts under matched irradiation conditions. This enhanced photo-oxidative activity translated into significant reductions in cell viability. In MCF-7 cells\, photoactivation of biogenic AgNPs redu ced the IC50 to <2 µg/mL\, compared with 2.89 ± 0.20 µg/mL under dark c onditions. In MDA-MB-231 cells\, irradiation lowered the IC50 from 11.26 ± 0.04 µg/mL (dark) to 4.79 ± 0.05 µg/ml. Flow cytometric analysis con firmed apoptosis as the predominant mechanism of cell death\, with late ap optotic populations approaching ~40% following photoactivation.\nThese res ults indicate that biogenic AgNPs induce ROS-mediated phototoxicity at low er doses\, achieving effective cytotoxicity under visible-light activation without significant thermal effects\, supporting their translational pote ntial in cancer treatment.\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/272/contrib utions/10317/ LOCATION: URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/272/contributions/10317/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:A Bioformulated Curcumin–Silver Nanoconjugate for Potent Photody namic Management of Resistant Lung Cancer DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260325T110000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260325T112000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260426T163508Z UID:indico-contribution-810-10315@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Glory Kah (University of Johannesburg)\nGlory Kah an d Heidi Abrahmse* \n\nLaser Research Centre\, Faculty of Health Sciences\, University of Johannesburg\, Doornfontein Campus. Post Office Box 17011\, Johannesburg 2028\, South Africa\n\n*Correspondence: Heidi Abrahamse. Ema il: habrahamse@uj.ac.za\n\nAbstract. Lung cancer remains a leading cause o f cancer-related mortality worldwide\, largely due to therapeutic resistan ce mediated by lung cancer stem cells (LCSCs). This study aimed to develop and evaluate a bioformulated curcumin–silver nanoparticle conjugate (Cu m-PEG-BpAgNPs) for enhanced photodynamic therapy (PDT) targeting both lung cancer cells (A549) and their stem cell subpopulations. Silver nanopartic les were synthesized using Bidens pilosa extract and conjugated with curcu min to form the nanoconjugate\, which was subsequently characterized. LCSC s expressing CD133⁺ and CD44⁺ markers were isolated via immunomagnetic bead sorting and confirmed by immunofluorescence. Cellular uptake and sub cellular localization were assessed using fluorescence microscopy. Cytotox icity following dark and 470 nm laser irradiation (5 J/cm²) was evaluated using MTT\, LDH\, and ATP assays\, while reactive oxygen species (ROS) ge neration\, mitochondrial membrane potential disruption\, apoptosis–necro sis profiling\, and expression of apoptosis-related proteins (p53\, caspas e-3\, and Bcl-2) were analyzed using DCFH-DA\, JC-10\, Annexin V-FITC/PI\, and ELISA assays\, respectively. Cum-PEG-BpAgNPs-mediated PDT demonstrate d significantly greater cytotoxicity compared to free curcumin\, with lowe r IC₅₀ values in both A549 cells (4.01 µg/mL) and LCSCs (2.37 µg/mL) . Enhanced intracellular uptake and broad organelle co-localization were o bserved for the nanoconjugate. Treatment induced elevated ROS production\, mitochondrial dysfunction\, and predominantly apoptotic cell death\, char acterized by upregulation of p53 and caspase-3 and downregulation of Bcl-2 . In conclusion\, the Cum-PEG-BpAgNPs nanoconjugate significantly improves PDT efficacy against lung cancer cells and resistant LCSCs by promoting R OS-mediated mitochondrial apoptosis\, highlighting its potential as a ther apeutic strategy for resistant lung cancer.\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/ event/272/contributions/10315/ LOCATION: URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/272/contributions/10315/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Phototoxicity of Pheophorbide-a in Caco-2 colorectal cancer cells examined through cellular responses and morphological characterisation DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260325T092000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260325T094000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260426T163508Z UID:indico-contribution-810-10318@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Fermin Broni (University of Johannesburg)\nAbstract: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has increasingly been recognised as a promisin g biomedical strategy for the management of diverse cancers\, offering spa tial and temporal selectivity compared with conventional chemotherapeutic approaches. However\, its therapeutic success is critically dependent on t he phototoxic potential of the photosensitiser (Ps) employed and its abili ty to localise within key cellular compartments and trigger downstream dea th pathways. In this study\, we investigated the phototoxicity of Pheophor bide‑a (PPBa)\, a chlorophyll‑derived Ps\, in Caco‑2 colorectal canc er (CRC) cells under rigorously controlled light and dark conditions to de monstrate its mechanistic effects. Cell viability was assessed using compl ementary assays that revealed pronounced light‑dependent cytotoxicity\, whereas minimal toxicity was observed in the absence of irradiation\, emph asising the selectivity of PPBa‑mediated PDT. Subcellular localisation e xperiments demonstrated preferential accumulation of PPBa within mitochond ria\, a finding of relevance given the central role of mitochondrial integ rity in regulating apoptosis. This localisation correlated strongly with a poptotic signatures\, including ATP depletion\, nuclear condensation\, and programmed cell death pathway activation. Morphological analyses further confirmed phototoxic damage\, revealing characteristic features such as ce ll shrinkage\, membrane blebbing\, and chromatin condensation. Together wi th the functional viability data\, these structural alterations highlight the potential of PPBa to induce targeted and irreversible damage upon phot oactivation. Collectively\, our findings provide mechanistic insights into the cellular basis of PPBa‑mediated PDT in CRC cells. By integrating fu nctional viability assays\, localisation studies\, and morphological chara cterisation\, this work demonstrates the potential of PDT as a selective a nd effective therapeutic modality for CRC\, while also contributing to the broader understanding of Ps‑driven cancer therapy.\n\nhttps://events.sa ip.org.za/event/272/contributions/10318/ LOCATION: URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/272/contributions/10318/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Eco-Friendly Gold Nanoparticle-Hypericin Conjugates for Antibody-M ediated Breast Cancer Phototherapy DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260325T090000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260325T092000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260426T163508Z UID:indico-contribution-810-10314@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Mpho Mohlongo (University of Johannesburg)\nAbstract \nPhotodynamic therapy employing Hypericin has gained attention as a pote ntial alternative for breast cancer treatment\, yet its clinical utility r emains limited by poor solubility\, low selectivity\, and non-specific cel lular uptake. To address these challenges\, we developed a targeted nanopl atform integrating green-synthesized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs)\, Hyperici n\, and monoclonal antibody functionalisation for enhanced PDT in MCF-7 br east cancer cells.\nAuNPs were synthesized using an aqueous extract of Kni phophia porphyrantha\, providing a biocompatible and environmentally susta inable route. Hypericin was subsequently loaded onto the AuNP surface\, fo llowed by conjugation with a monoclonal antibody to yield a bionanoconjuga te with improved targeting capacity. Characterization via UV-Vis spectrosc opy\, dynamic light scattering\, and transmission electron microscopy conf irmed nanoparticle formation\, photosensitizer loading\, and successful an tibody attachment.\nTherapeutic performance was evaluated through cellular uptake imaging and cytotoxicity assays (MTT\, LDH\, ATP) alongside flow c ytometry following irradiation with a 594 nm diode laser. Free Hypericin r educed cell viability by ~50%\, whereas the antibody-conjugated Hypericin- AuNP nanoplatform decreased viability to below 30%. ATP levels dropped by 70% in targeted-nanoconjugate-treated cells compared to only 20% in free H ypericin-treated cells\, highlighting enhanced metabolic disruption.\nThes e findings demonstrate that antibody-mediated targeting significantly impr oves photodynamic efficacy\, establishing this green nanotechnology-derive d Hypericin-AuNP nanoplatform as a promising candidate for selective breas t cancer therapy.\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/272/contributions/10 314/ LOCATION: URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/272/contributions/10314/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Photodynamic Therapy against Drug-Resistant Cancer Cells DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260325T084000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260325T090000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260426T163508Z UID:indico-contribution-810-10313@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Paromita Sarbadhikary (University of Johannesburg)\n Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a promising alternative or adjun ct modality for the treatment of breast cancer. PDT relies on the activati on of a photosensitizer (PS) by red or near-infrared light\, resulting in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that induce localized tumo r cell damage. Naturally derived tetrapyrrolic PSs have attracted consider able interest due to their favor-able photophysical characteristics. Pheop horbide-a\, a chlorophyll-derived tetrapyrrole\, demonstrates strong absor ption in the red region\, efficient singlet oxygen generation\, preferenti al tumor accumula-tion\, and minimal dark toxicity. Although Doxorubicin r emains one of the most widely used chemo-therapeutic agents for breast can cer treatment\, its prolonged administration is associated with the de-vel opment of multidrug resistance\, largely mediated by P-glycoprotein overex pression. PDT has shown potential efficacy in overcoming chemoresistant ph enotypes. In this study\, we comparatively evaluat-ed the in vitro phototh erapeutic efficacy of pheophorbide-a against wild-type MCF-7 breast cancer cells and Doxorubicin-resistant MCF-7 (MCF-7/DOX) cells using 660 nm ligh t irradiation.\n\nBoth cell subtypes were incubated with varying concentra tions of pheophorbide-a for 3 h under dark conditions\, followed by irradi ation with a 660 ± 20 nm LED source at a fluence of 1 J/cm² and a power density of 7.08 mW/cm². Cell viability was assessed 24 h post-irradiation using the MTT assay. The results demonstrated differential sensitivity be tween the two cell lines. Approximately 90% reduc-tion in cell viability w as observed in wild-type MCF-7 cells at 1.6 µM pheophorbide-a\, whereas a high-er concentration of 2.4 µM was required to induce a comparable leve l of cytotoxicity in MCF-7/DOX cells\, indicating moderate resistance in t he chemoresistant phenotype. Morphological observations further supported these findings. Wild-type MCF-7 cells exhibited significant cellular shrin kage\, membrane disruption\, and extensive cell death following the PDT. I n contrast\, MCF-7/DOX cells showed comparatively moderate cytotoxic effec ts\, with approximately 30–40% of cells retaining viable morphology at t he same treatment dose.\n\nOverall\, pheophorbide-a–mediated PDT demonst rated substantial phototoxic activity against both wild-type and Doxorubic in-resistant breast cancer cells\, although higher concentrations were nec essary to achieve similar efficacy in resistant cells. These findings sugg est that plant-derived chlorophyll-based tetrapyrrolic photosensitizers ho ld promise as effective PDT agents for targeting multidrug-resistant breas t carcinomas. Further mechanistic investigations are required to elucidate the underlying cell death signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms at protein\, gene\, and transcriptomic levels to enhance translational applic ability.\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/272/contributions/10313/ LOCATION: URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/272/contributions/10313/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Plant based photosensitizers: An in vitro study against cancer cel ls DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260325T082000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260325T084000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260426T163508Z UID:indico-contribution-810-10311@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Nosipho Fakudze (University of Johannesburg)\nBreast cancer remains a major global public health concern due to its continuous ly rising incidence rate across a variety of demographics. An estimated 2. 3 million new cases have made breast cancer higher in incidence rate than the commonly reported lung cancer. Furthermore\, women in developing count ries have higher mortality rates\, 15.3 compared to 11.3 per 100 000 but a much lower incidence rate (30.8 compared to 54.1 per 100\,000) associated with women in developed countries. The 5-year breast cancer survival rate in Sub-Saharan Africa is recorded at 40%. Research on cancer treatments h as shifted to natural products due to the numerous negative effects of con ventional breast cancer treatments\, such as chemotherapy\, hormone recept or therapy\, and surgery. Throughout history\, traditional medicine has su ccessfully treated a variety of illnesses with natural ingredients. The va riety of plants and their advantages\, main and secondary phytocompounds\, make them a cost-effective cancer treatment option with few adverse effec ts. Molecular oxygen\, photosensitizer (PS)\, and light are the three comp onents of photodynamic therapy (PDT)\, an alternative cancer therapy. Pheo phorbide-a and hypericin\, two naturally derived PS\, were utilized to stu dy the medicinal effects against breast cancer cells. Hypericin is extract ed from Hypericum perforatum\, while pheophorbide-a is a chlorophyll deriv ative. This study utilized cell viability assay\, flow cytometry\, and mor phological analysis to evaluate the efficacy of these PSs. MTT (3-[4\,5-di methylthiazol-2-yl]-2\,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay showed signif icant cell death at 0.37 µM for pheophorbide-a and 0.07 µM for hypericin \, while morphological analysis showed altered cellular morphology\, also confirmed by initiation of apoptosis. Our study shows a promising cost-eff ective treatment modality for breast cancer due to the fact that it is pla nt derived.\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/272/contributions/10311/ LOCATION: URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/272/contributions/10311/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Green-Synthesized Silver Nanoparticle–Liposomal ZnPcS4 Nanoplatf orm for Enhanced Photodynamic Therapy in Breast Cancer DTSTART;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260325T080000Z DTEND;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260325T082000Z DTSTAMP;VALUE=DATE-TIME:20260426T163508Z UID:indico-contribution-810-10310@events.saip.org.za DESCRIPTION:Speakers: Alexander Chota (University of Johannesburg\, Laser Research Centre)\nBreast cancer remains a formidable challenge in oncology despite significant advancements in treatment modalities. Conventional th erapies such as surgery\, chemotherapy\, radiation therapy\, and hormonal therapy have been the mainstay in managing breast cancer for decades. Howe ver\, a subset of patient’s experiences treatment failure\, leading to d isease recurrence and progression. Therefore\, this study investigates the therapeutic potential of green-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) u sing an African medicinal plant (Dicoma anomala methanol root extract) as a reducing agent for combating breast cancer. AgNPs were synthesized using the bottom-up approach and later modified with liposomes (Lip) loaded wit h photosensitizer (PS) zinc phthalocyanine tetra-sulfonate (Lip@ZnPcS4) us ing thin film hydration method. The successful formation and Lip modificat ion of AgNPs\, alongside ZnPcS4\, were confirmed through various analytica l techniques including UV–Vis spectroscopy\, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR)\, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (H R-TEM)\, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray sp ectroscopy (EDS). Following a 24 h treatment period\, MCF-7 cells were ass essed for viability using 3-[4\,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2\,5 diphenyl tetr azolium bromide (MTT viability assay)\, cell death analysis using mitochon drial membrane potential (MMP) (ΔΨm)\, Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyan ate (FITC)-propidium iodide (PI) kit\, and caspase- 3\, 8 and 9 activities . The experiments were repeated four times (n = 4)\, and the results were analyzed using SPSS statistical software version 27\, with a confidence in terval set at 0.95. The synthesized nanoparticles and nanocomplex\, includ ing AgNPs\, AgNPs-Lip\, Lip@ZnPcS4\, and AgNPs-Lip@ZnPcS4\, exhibited nota ble cytotoxicity and therapeutic efficacy against MCF-7 breast cancer cell s. Notably\, the induction of apoptosis\, governed by the upregulation of apoptotic proteins i.e.\, caspase 8 and 9 activities. In addition\, caspas e 3 was not expressed by MCF-7 cells in both control and experimental grou ps. Given the challenging prognosis associated with breast cancer\, the fi ndings underscore the promise of liposomal nanoformulations in cancer phot odynamic therapy (PDT)\, thus warranting further exploration in clinical s ettings*emphasized text*\n\nhttps://events.saip.org.za/event/272/contribut ions/10310/ LOCATION: URL:https://events.saip.org.za/event/272/contributions/10310/ END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR