StG-MTrix
POC-EmboPore
POC-HybridNP
Targeted drug delivery is key to balancing efficacy and safety, especially in oncology, where chemotherapy’s poor selectivity causes severe side effects. Tumor heterogeneity complicates the identification of universal targets. In this ERC-funded project, we demonstrated how nanocarriers can be tailored using Mechanical Targeting, exploiting cancer cells' deformability. Since metastatic cells are more flexible, they preferentially internalize particles requiring shape adaptation, unlike rigid normal cells. By integrating experimental and computational models, we enable personalized DDS, optimizing drug uptake based on patient-specific cell mechanics, advancing precision nanomedicine.
Precisely controlling drug release at specific body sites remains a major challenge in drug delivery. By leveraging remotely controlled nanomaterials, we can now direct drug carriers to target tissues while simultaneously modulating their shape to enhance effectiveness. Smart hybrid materials, combining organic compounds and metals, offer a versatile, multi-functional approach for treating cancer.
Embolization is a therapeutic strategy used to block blood flow for treating liver tumors. However, acute vascular obstruction significantly limits drug perfusion into the tumor, reducing treatment efficacy. Moreover, adverse pro-angiogenic feedback contributes to the high recurrence rate of the disease. To address these challenges, we developed Drug-Eluting Porous Embolic Microspheres for trans-arterial delivery of a dual synergistic anticancer therapy for liver cancer. This innovative approach demonstrates how localized drug release and embolization can work synergistically to enhance treatment outcomes.
