Lipid-polymer nanocarriers in microneedles: dual drug-delivery performance, biointerfaces interactions and biomedical applications

• Grant number: 25/18726-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: November 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2029
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Daniele Ribeiro de Araujo
• Grantee: Bianca Araujo Simões
• Host Institution: Escola Paulista de Medicina (EPM). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São Paulo. São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/14753-0 - Biosensing and delivery point-of-care technologies based on microneedles to improve healthcare testing and treatments, AP.TEM

Abstract

This proposal aims to synthesize polymeric-lipid nanoparticles to incorporate hydrophobic molecules, such as Licochalcone A (LicA). On the other hand, the dispersion of these nanoparticles in microneedles promotes the formation of a complex system with three-dimensional macromolecular networks capable of encapsulating amphiphilic molecules such as sulforaphane (SFN). Considering the potent anti-inflammatory properties of both compounds, the dual loading of LicA and SFN would favor the formation of a system with potential synergistic pharmacological activity. Specifically, this work addresses processes related to the development of nanobiotechnological systems, their design, and physicochemical, biopharmaceutical, and pharmacological characterizations for applications in clinical conditions involving chronic therapies, such as those for solid organ transplants. Initially, the nanostructured systems will be synthesized, and both bioactives will be incorporated. Structural, morphological, and supramolecular characterization will be performed using techniques such as Dynamic Light Scattering, Zeta Potential, Rheology, and Small-Angle Xray Scattering, Atomic Force Microscopy and Scanning Electronic Microscopy. Furthermore, the mechanisms involved into the drug release process from the nanoparticle-microneedles system will be investigated. Finally, the nanoparticlemicroneedle system will be evaluated regarding their in vitro toxicity, therapeutic efficacy, and molecular mechanisms of action, considering the skin transplant rejection model. (AU)