Giuliana Greco

Ciclo: XXXIX

Data inizio: 01/08/2023

Curriculum: Biotecnologie farmaceutiche

Borsa: : PNRR DM 118/2023

Titolo tesi: Delivery of compounds through innovative Nanocarriers to fight neurodegenerative diseases

Abstract:  Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are a heterogeneous group of neurological disorders that negatively impact the lives of millions of people worldwide, leading to the progressive degeneration of neurons in the central nervous system or peripheral nervous system. Among NDDs, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is one of the most frequently diagnosed autoimmune demyelinating and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system. Treatment of MS includes disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), acute relapse treatment, comorbidity management, symptom control, psychological support, rehabilitative strategies, and lifestyle modifications. Within the class of DMTs, dimethyl fumarate is an orally administered treatment for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). While generally effective safe and well-tolerated, the principal adverse effects associated with dimethyl fumarate include flushing, gastrointestinal side effects, and, in some cases, reductions in lymphocyte counts. Patients treated may develop severe prolonged lymphopenia that could lead to multifocal leukoencephalopathy. The aim of this project is to encapsulate not only dimethyl fumarate and its derivatives, but also natural compounds used in the treatment of NDDs, particularly MS, in nanoparticulate systems in order to reduce side effects, increase stability and bioavailability, and provide controlled release over time. For this purpose, carriers such as liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, and nanocarrier lipid structured are employed. The resulting systems are characterized for their pharmacotechnical parameters, including particle size, polidispersity index, zeta-potential, using the technique of dynamic light scattering. Diffferential scanning calorimetry has been employed to study the calorimetric behaviour of the formulations. Tests regarding the stability of the formulations over time are performed to ensure their long-term viability. In vitro and in vivo tests are conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the formulation.

Tutor: Sarpietro

Data Conseguimento Titolo: in corso

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/giuliana-greco-7959061a1

Email: giuliana.greco@phd.unict.it

Periodi all'estero- Sede e data: Da definire

Esperienze post-Dottorato ed attuale occupazione: in corso