Microfluidic synthesis of stealth liposomes for co-encapsulation of 5-fluorouracil and vincristine aiming oral squamous cell carcinoma treatment

• Grant number: 24/19544-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: March 01, 2025
• End date: October 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Lucimara Gaziola de la Torre
• Grantee: Giovanna Evaristo Lourenço
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia Química (FEQ). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 23/16994-7 - Microfluidic technology applied to cancer: chemotherapy-based synthesis of nanomaterials chemotherapy and a high thruput platform for treatment selection, AP.R

Abstract

Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) is a type of cancer affecting a substantial portion of the global population, leading to premature deaths and considerable suffering among those affected. Its treatment depends mainly on surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Chemotherapy employs cytotoxic agents that adversely impact the body, often resulting in significant side effects for patients. An alternative approach to mitigate this issue is the drug encapsulation in liposomes, which are biocompatible structures that enable sustained drug release. However, despite numerous advances in liposomal drug delivery, scaling up their production to meet clinical demands remains a significant challenge. An approach to achieve this optimization involves microfluidics, a technology that facilitates vesicle formation within a controlled microenvironment, thereby addressing challenges associated with conventional synthesis methods. Considering this approach, this study aims to enhance liposome formulation through a microfluidic platform and to encapsulate two chemotherapeutic agents with OSCC treatment potential: 5-fluorouracil and vincristine. The nanovesicles will be prepared with polyethylene glycol (PEG) surface and folate ligands, enabling systemic circulation, immune evasion, and targeted drug delivery to tumor sites. Physicochemical and morphological characterization will validate these nanostructures, and a comparative study of conventional and microfluidic methods will be performed. This project aims to contribute to the development of innovative processes and pharmaceutical products for OSCC treatment, while also advancing the understanding and application of microfluidic technologies in cancer research and therapy.