11.2022 - 02.2026

A multiscale integrated approach to the study of the nervous system in health and disease

The present research activity focuses on the design, development, optimization and characterization of nanocarriers encapsulated with active molecules. Development and optimization is based on systematic experiment design (DoE) studies. Nanocarriers of a polymeric or lipid nature are loaded with drugs of different nature and pharmacological chaperones such as Gcase. After validation of the chemical-physical and biopharmaceutical properties of in vitro release and permeation, in vitro studies on cytotoxicity and biological interaction mechanisms are conducted. In parallel, the research involves the optimization of formulations for mucoadhesive activity thanks to lipids and cationic polymers, and in addition the incorporation in thermosensitive gels for nose to brain type release.  Finally, in vivo studies confirm the entry into the CNS of drugs and chaperones. 

The research aims to develop innovative nanocarriers with possible large-scale production for the targeted delivery of drugs to the CNS, improving specificity of action and optimizing doses. These approaches will be able to find application in various areas of CNS pathologies, especially neurodegenerative ones with the aim of increasing therapeutic efficacy and reducing the side effects of the administered drugs.A peculiar aspect of the research concerns the development and optimization of nanovesicles for the administration of pharmacological chaperones of the enzyme glucocerebrosidase (GCase), whose deficiency is due to genetic mutations of the GBA1 gene and related to Gaucher disease, to sporadic Parkinson's disease (MP) and GBA1-associated Parkinson's (GBA/MP).

Spoke 6 : Neurodegeneration, Trauma and Stroke