Synthesis and characterization of doxorubicin and quinizarin nanoemulsions for synergistic application in Photodynamic Therapy in 2D and 3D models of oral epidermoid carcinoma

• Grant number: 22/11326-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: November 01, 2022
• End date: February 29, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Biomedical Engineering - Bioengineering
• Principal Investigator: Fernando Lucas Primo
• Grantee: Ramon Botelho Costa
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCFAR). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araraquara. Araraquara , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 23/04119-4 - Development and characterization of an organoid system made up of liver cells as potential model for photobiological experimentation, BE.EP.IC

Abstract

Currently, cancers still persist as one of the diseases that cause the most deaths in the world. Oral cancers are the fourth most frequent type in men and the eighth most frequent type in women. Culminating in approximately 145 thousand deaths annually when they come from oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC). Due to their high complexity and resistance capacity, these carcinomas make the therapy process difficult, which usually requests surgical interventions associated with conventional approaches, of which often translate into sequelae or a range of extremely harmful side effects. Emphasizing the relevance of introducing new alternative therapeutic approaches with less invasive appeal. Thus, in view of the above, this project aims to develop and characterize nanoemulsions to convey doxorubicin (DOX - antineoplastic agent) and quinizarin (QNZ - photosensitizer) for application in antitumor Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), using in vitro models of oral carcinoma. The preparation of nanoemulsion will be performed by ultra-homogenization technique, in order to generate nanostructured systems with greater perfusion capacity in tumor cells. It will include tests to determine the cytotoxicity directed to tumor cells in vitro and evaluation of biological response to photostimulus, which is expected to obtain an innovative formulation that allows targeted delivery of active QNZ and DOX in order to obtain an innovative and efficient therapy for oral cancer.