Artificial lipoproteins associated with magnetic nanoparticles aiming at cancer therapy and the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases

• Grant number: 25/08988-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: Antonio Martins Figueiredo Neto
• Grantee: Thiago Fiuza Lima da Silva
• Host Institution: Instituto de Física (IF). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 23/10843-7 - Synthesis and characterisation of multi-functional lipid-based nano particles, with potential biomedical application in Cancer and Atherosclerosis: a multidisciplinary approach, AP.TEM

Abstract

Lipoproteins are generally evaluated in the context of the cause of cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis. However, artificial lipoproteins could be designed to specifically target cancer cells or tissues affected by the development of cardiovascular diseases, thus providing a highly targeted and effective approach. For example, modified lipoproteins can be loaded with therapeutic agents such as anticancer drugs and targeted to affected sites, thereby minimizing side effects and improving treatment efficacy. Additionally, these lipoproteins can be used as biomarkers for early diagnosis and monitoring of cardiovascular diseases, providing valuable insights into disease progression and treatment response. The ongoing development of technologies for manipulating artificial lipoproteins, coupled with a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms of diseases, has the potential to significantly enhance the diagnosis and treatment of these serious conditions. Magnetic nanoparticles could enhance therapeutic efficiency either by controlled increase in cellular toxicity or through localized temperature elevation caused by magneto-hyperthermia. Therefore, the functionalization of artificial biological particles associated with the incorporation of magnetic nanoparticles could produce a biocompatible multifunctional nanocomposite to be employed in combined therapy and diagnosis. (AU)