Research Interests

My research focuses on the development and characterization of innovative nano-systems for molecular imaging and theranostic applications. These systems include low density lipoproteins (20 nm of diamenter), liposomes and polylactic−co−glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (100−200 nm of diameter) able to deliver a high payload of amphiphilic MRI reporter agents (Gd-complexes), chemotherapeutic agents (doxorubicin, curcumin) and boron containing compounds (to perform the Boron Neutron Capture Therapy) at the site of interest. Since these carriers specifically recognized over−expressed cell receptors on cancer cells, it is possible to accumulate them inside target cells and explore their effectiveness and efficiency both in vitro and in vivo studies. Our aim is to improve disease diagnosis, to perform therapy (by delivering drugs more specifically to the pathological site) but also to facilitate (pre−) clinical efficacy and toxicity analyses, and to better understand various important aspects of the drug delivery process.