Progetto di ricerca

EU Project MSCA-IF - H2020 - POLAR STAR - Polymeric cyclodextrin-based nanoparticles for combination therapy of castrate-resistant prostate cancer (DCM.AD007.081)

Area tematica

Scienze chimiche e tecnologie dei materiali

Area progettuale

Chimica e materiali per la salute e le scienze della vita (DCM.AD007)

Struttura responsabile del progetto di ricerca

Istituto per la sintesi organica e la fotoreattività (ISOF)

Responsabile di progetto

ROBERTO ZAMBONI
Telefono: 0516399770
E-mail: direzione@isof.cnr.it

Abstract

New approaches are required to fight Castrate-Resistant Prostate cancer (CRPC) and nanomedicine can effectively contribute in this battle. The project aims at the implementation of combination therapy to treat CRPC. Our strategy exploits new mixed polymers based on biocompatible cyclodextrins to administer contemporarily different therapeutic agents that synergically exert their activity across multiple oncogenic pathways. Keeping in mind upscaling of the nanocarrier systems simple organic chemistry is pursued to implement target selectivity and in vivo tracking. Full chemico-physical characterization is planned as well as assessment of the efficacy of loaded nanocarriers in different cell cultures. In order to reduce animal experiments we will use 3D prostate tissue models for biological tests. We plan to reach our goal bringing together the expertise of the fellow and the supervisor supported by the private and academic teams hosting the fellow during secondments. During POLAR STAR all actors, public and private, will benefit from reciprocal transfer of knowledge. The fellow will have the possibility to become a complete researcher improving also complementary skills.

Obiettivi

Our general objective is to exploit nanotechnology to create innovation in the implementation of combination therapy to treat CRPC. Our specific goals are (i) preparation of accurately designed nanocarriers displaying target selectivity, (ii) the effective loading with different therapeutics that exert synergic activity across multiple oncogenic pathways, (iii) high effectiveness in killing PC cells and low systemic toxicity. We plan to implement combination therapy for CRPC combining chemotherapy and photodynalic therapy. We focus on polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) based on cyclodextrins (CyDs) labeled with fluorophores as valuable tool to opportunely assemble various building blocks eventually providing i) target selectivity, ii) high drug level at tumor site, iii) fine control in timing of drug release and (iv) carrier tracking (Scheme 1). Furthermore, CyD-based NPs can help overcoming standard therapeutics shortcomings such as low solubility and poor stability in pharmaceutical vehicles for drug administration.

Data inizio attività

01/06/2019

Parole chiave

Photochemistry, Polymer chemistry, Drug discovery and design (formulation and delivery)

Ultimo aggiornamento: 01/11/2024