Nanomedicine & Targeted Delivery

Research |

Polymeric Nanoparticles as Therapeutic Platforms

The nanotechnology as a basic and applied science has uncovered a universe of creative possibilities, impacting almost all aspect of society. Our research attempts to generate advanced therapeutic strategies based on polymeric nanoparticles for the precise delivery of drugs. Since early stages of the preclinical drug development, including the fundamental understanding and interactions of nanoparticles and the life sciences, our group is also focused on the study of pharmacological and toxicological effects of nanoparticles in the physiological and/or pathological conditions. The innovative structure and composition of our nanotherapeutics formulations include the use of novel biomaterials and targeting molecules that support its smart performance and precise organ/tissue delivery. 

Drug Delivery based on Microparticles Technology

The use of polymeric microparticles as controlled release technology provide a broad spectrum of therapeutic applications leading to the sustained release of drugs over long periods of time.

Our goal in this field is to develop innovative microtechnology systems based on novel biodegradable and biocompatible polymers suitable for the encapsulation and controlled release of antibiotics, chemotherapeutics and others molecules via intramuscular, oral and pulmonary delivery.

Novel Biomaterials for Nanotherapeutics

Polymer science is the key of current and future endeavor of drug delivery systems. Several parameter such as loading capacity, stability and the drug release mechanisms depend on the polymeric matrix of formulations. Our aim in this field is 

to develop novel biocompatible materials for the advancement of field of nanotherapeutics.

Funding | Current Research Support

• Principal Investigator, Fondecyt Regular N° 1201147 ANID (2020-2023).

• Co-Investigator, Fondecyt Regular N° 1211143 ANID (2021-2024). Dr. Horacio Poblete – nano-biomaterials group (University of Talca).

• Co-Investigator, Fondecyt Regular N° 1181408 ANID (2021-2024). Dra. Flavia Zacconi – design and synthesis Lab (Pontifical Catholic University of Chile).

• Main Research of Basal Grant Nº AFB180001, CEDENNA (2020 - 2023, III Phase) Line 4 NanoBioMedicine.

• Research Associate of European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Program under the Marie Sklodowsks-Curie Grant Agreement Nº 734801 (2017 - 2021).

Previous Research Support

• Co-Investigator. FONDECYT Regular N° 1181408 . Synthesis of coagulation inhibitors coupled to nanoparticles with activity against factor Xa and platelet aggregation. A Green Chemistry strategy for the development of dual antithrombotic agents. (2018-2020).

• Co-Sponsor of the Postdoctoral FONDECYT Funding Nº 3180250 (2018 - 2020).

• Co-Investigator. Núcleo UNAB DI-36-18/“N” (2018-2020). Inhibición del reclutamiento de neutrófilos durante inflamación intestinal en pez cebra modulada por nanopartículas híbridas lípido-polímero. 

• Sponsor of the Postdoctoral FONDECYT Funding Nº 3170938 (2017 - 2019).

• Principal Investigator. FONDECYT Regular #1161438. Systematically evaluation of the mechanistic synergism between MAPK kinase inhibitor with clinically approved cytotoxic agents. (2016 – 2018). Principal Investigator.

• Co-Investigator. ECOS-CONICYT–2016/PCI. Role of Renin angiotensin system in myogenesis and muscle regeneration: new combined therapeutic strategies based in nanomedicine for muscular dystrophies. (Principal Investigator: Dr. Claudio Cabello)(2017-2018).

• Principal Investigator. UNAB – Regular Grant (2015 - 2016). Desarrollo y evaluación terapéutica de nanopartículas de PLA·DSPE-PEG(2000) con actividad antiplaquetaria.