Nanotechnology

Development of nanoparticles for simple diagnosis of diseases – Ismael Martos Jamai

15 May, 2023 por Anabel Torrente Leave a Comment

Can you imagine being able to detect diseases using nanoparticles? This method is known as nanodiagnosis and can make early detection of diseases such as cancer much easier, thus improving their prognosis and allowing us to provide more effective treatment in time. To this end, a combination of nanotechnology with other emerging approaches (such as liquid biopsy, which is non-invasive, unlike traditional biopsy) has been proposed as an interesting option for personalized medicine with better results and advantages for the patient. In addition, molecules known as microRNAs have been found to play a crucial role in the development of diseases including cancer. MicroRNAs circulate in body fluids (blood, urine, saliva…), which makes them an ideal tool for non-invasive diagnosis.

Consequently, the main objective of this research is to develop nanoparticles that can recognize microRNAs for the early detection of tumours. Diagnosis can then be confirmed using various analytical techniques. This will enable early, non-invasive detection of a common disease like cancer, with all the advantages this entails. Thanks to research and development in areas such as nanodiagnostics, this goal is getting closer and closer.

Keywords: nanodiagnostics, nanoparticles, microRNA, liquid biopsy, cancer.

Directed by: Agustín Robles Remacho

Multifunctional nanosystems as a novel strategy for cancer therapy – Paula Martín Gamero

15 May, 2023 por Anabel Torrente Leave a Comment

Nanomedicine is the use of nanotechnology in biomedicine. The use of nano-sized systems, which possess unique physicochemical properties compared to the starting materials, is becoming an important new weapon in the battle against complex diseases such as cancer. One of the most studied strategies today involves the controlled release of cytotoxic agents (e.g., drugs) that can reach the specific site of the disease (e.g., tumour), so reducing the side effects of conventional chemotherapy and making treatment more effective.

Our aim in this research is to design a nano-sized system (nanoparticle or nanosystem) with different functions to combat cancer. To this end, we have combined (i) an imaging agent (e.g., a fluorophore) to track the nanosystem in the body; (ii) a chemotherapeutic drug used in clinical settings (e.g., paclitaxel) which is strategically attached to a ligand that will only allow the drug to be released in the tumour site when infrared radiation is applied; and (iii) gold nanoparticles capable of converting infrared radiation into heat, thereby causing cancer cell death (photothermal therapy). This research will allow the development of a new nanosystem for combined therapy (controlled drug release and photothermal therapy).

Keywords: Keywords: Multifunctional nanosystems, gold nanoparticles, controlled drug release, photothermal therapy, cancer.

Directed by: María Victoria Cano Cortés/María del Carmen Ortega Liébana

Determination of serotonin using colorimetric sensors – Ricardo Rubio Rumí

7 May, 2022 por Anabel Torrente Leave a Comment

Serotonin, which is commonly known as the “happiness hormone”, is a neurotransmitter that is essential for life and is synthesized via the metabolism of tryptophan. There are various different natural ways of increasing serotonin levels, such as physical exercise, sunbathing, having a varied diet and getting sufficient sleep. An increase in the concentration of serotonin produces a state of wellbeing, relaxation, satisfaction and increases concentration and self-esteem. By contrast, serotonin deficiency can cause depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, etc. There is therefore a need to control its concentration in the body.

The purpose of this research is to determine serotonin in low concentrations using nanotechnology. To this end, we develop membranes with groups that react with gold nanoparticles and can perform selective serotonin retention in human plasma. The serotonin can then be determined using optical techniques (absorbance and fluorescence).

Keywords: serotonin; gold nanoparticles; colorimetric sensors.

Directed by: Antonio Luis Medina Castillo

Use of nanotechnology to transport dugs in the body – Pablo Nevado López

7 May, 2022 por Anabel Torrente Leave a Comment

Various different therapeutic strategies are applied against cancer, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and the different combinations between them. Pharmaceutical nanotechnology is a science that has long been applied in the preparation of drug delivery vehicles. Many interesting innovations and therapeutic applications have emerged in recent years. The purpose of these systems is to protect the drug (or active ingredient), modify some of its characteristics and improve its distribution in body cells, among others.

In this study, we propose to design a new drug transport system on a nanometric scale. To this end, nanoparticles made up of two layers of polymers (chemical compounds) were designed. This multilayer is made of PLGA (poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) and coated with chitosan. The nanoparticles contain an active ingredient called 5-Fluorouracil, which is classified as a cytostatic and is used to treat cancer.

Keywords: Pharmaceutical nanotechnology; cancer; drug delivery system, polymers, 5-Fluorouracil.

Work directed by: Margarita López-Viota Gallardo

Antibiotics Nanocapsulation for the treatment of caprine mastitis – Natalia López Garrido

7 May, 2022 por Anabel Torrente Leave a Comment

Goat mastitis is an important disease of the mammary gland that is commonly caused by bacterial infection. If left untreated, it constitutes a serious problema for the agri-food industry, with negative economic consequences, in terms of reduced milk production and wasted milk. Many goats suffer from chronic mastitis as a resulto f residual forms of previous mastitis, which were either not treated or were treated unsuccesfully. In these cases, the manifestations are very diverse, but, in general, abcesses and áreas of connective tissue obstructing the lactiferous ducts are found. The main objective of this Master’s tesis is to develop new antibiotic formulations, such as cefquinome, based con nanotechnology. These offer a promising alternative in the design of new, more effective therapies, which Will reduce the side effects associated with these treatments. Specifically, we intend to design and créate two types of nanoparticles (mesoporus silica and sodium hyaluronate). We will then perform a physicochemical characterization of these nanoparticles and test the encapsulation efficiency and the release profile of the proposed antibiotic.

Keywords: mastitis; goats; cefquinome; nanoparticles; mesoporus silica; sodium hyaluronate.

Directed by: Mª Encarnación Morales Hernández