Biomimetic luminescent nanoparticles based on cell-membrane coating for glioblastoma theranostics.

• Grant number: 24/05979-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: October 01, 2024
• End date: September 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - Condensed Matter Physics
• Principal Investigator: Valtencir Zucolotto
• Grantee: Marylyn Setsuko Arai
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física de São Carlos (IFSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 14/50947-7 - INCT 2014: in Stem Cell and Cell Therapy, AP.TEM
• Associated scholarship(s): 25/07870-8 - Biomimetic Nanoparticles for Targeted Delivery Across the Blood-Brain Barrier: Application in Advanced In Vitro Models, BE.EP.PD

Abstract

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a fast-growing and aggressive brain tumor that has a complicated diagnosis and is hard to treat, presenting a poor long-term prognosis. Conventional treatments, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy with temozolomide (TMZ), face limitations, primarily attributed to the blood-brain barrier (BBB) hindering therapeutics delivery. Emerging cell membrane-coated (CMC) strategies offer a promising alternative for GBM theranostics. These biomimetic systems consist of nanocarriers enveloped by natural cell membranes and exhibit enhanced bio-interfacing capabilities. By leveraging the advantages of both components, CMC mimics demonstrate improved biological and stealth properties, as well as active targeting abilities. Notably, various templates, including upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and mesoporous silica nanoparticles have shown promise in CMC designs. UCNPs, with their unique optical properties, enable advanced bioimaging, while mesoporous silica (mSiO2) provides high drug-loading capacity and biocompatibility. The combination of UCNPs and silica nanostructures can lead to the production of a biomimetic, optically active nanodelivery system. Furthermore, the selection of cell membrane sources such as cancer cells, bacteria, and microalgae impart distinct functionalities such as long blood circulation, immune escape, and homotypic binding. This project aims to develop biomimetic platforms based on UCNP@mSiO2 particles loaded with TMZ and coated with different cell membranes for glioblastoma multiform theranostics, presenting a novel approach to overcome the challenges associated with GBM diagnosis and therapy.