Pilot 4.1

Multifunctional materials for advanced theranostics (UNISALENTO).  

Multifunctional nano-carriers are structures designed to transport and to release biologically active molecules and to be used as imaging/tracking tools in several types of diseases, such as cancer. The joint laboratories Unisalento/CNR Nanotec in Lecce have established preparation procedures, characterization lines and applicative studies of a large set of multifunctional nanomaterials for advanced theranostics with particular focus on the diagnosis and therapy of glioblastoma. 

Pilot aim is the development and validation of new hybrid nanostructured materials, composed by organic and inorganic components. In particular, biocompatible organic building blocks will be produced. The organic component will serve as hosting compartment of chemotherapy drugs or anti-inflammatory compounds. In addition, the organic core will be decorated by inorganic nanoparticles for imaging/tracking purposes. The biological properties of the hybrid nanostructured materials will be assessed in vitro 2D/3D GBM models