Development of nanostructured core-shell systems by microfluidic device and application for controlled drug release

• Grant number: 22/16142-8
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: April 01, 2023
• End date: September 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: Jean Jacques Bonvent
• Grantee: Jean Jacques Bonvent
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas (CCNH). Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC). Santo André , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Drug Delivery Systems (DDS) can be developed for specific tissue targets, which release may be controlled by given physical-chemical triggers, such as pH, temperature, or light irradiation, reducing unwanted side effects. To maximize the efficiency of DDS platforms, it is consensus than new synthesis routes must be investigated for fine and precise tunning of size, shape, porosity and surface functionalization. This project aims to perform the synthesis of nanoparticles with a magnetic core covered by a thin layer of mesoporous silica, via the microfluidic technique, for application as a controlled drug release system. Two approaches will be considered for the microfluidic synthesis: (1) the steps performed by successive and independent passages in the device; (2) the steps performed sequentially, of the "one-pot" type. To analyze the mechanism of incorporation and release of the drug via microfluidic, doxorubicin (DOX), a potent antitumor agent approved by the FDA and extensively investigated, will be used. The morphological, crystalline, magnetic, porosity, encapsulation efficiency and release properties of the drug, as well as cellular viability of the different synthesized nanostructured systems will be investigated as a function of the concentration, rate and injection inlet of the different reagents through the microchannel of the microfluidic device. (AU)