Members
Contributors
Simone Yamauti
Nível: Técnica para Assuntos Administrativos
Descrição Atividades: Desenvolve atividades administrativas e financeiras, auxilia docente e alunos, responsável pela prestação de contas dos projetos.
Informações Adicionais: graduada e especialista em Engenharia de Produção, área de gestão de projetos acadêmicos. Idiomas: inglês e alemão.
Bruna Juliana Moreira Dias
Nível: Técnica de laboratório
Descrição das Atividades: Desenvolve atividades laboratoriais, zelando pela guarda, conservação, manutenção e limpeza dos equipamentos, instrumentos e materiais utilizados e realiza pedidos de compras.
Informações Adicionais: Graduação em Farmácia Bioquímica pela FCFRP-USP e mestrado e doutorado em Ciências também pela mesma instituição.
Postdocs
Ana Elisa Tognoli Leite
Nanotechnology Applied to increase the activity of therapeutic agents for treatment of COVID-19
Establishment of protocols, syntheses, and characterization of a polymeric nanostructured system for the delivery of Remdesivir® (RDV). RDV is an antiviral approved for the treatment of COVID-19. The project also has an in vitro study of the cytotoxicity (IC50) of RDV and polymeric nanoparticles in different cell lines.
Celisnolia Morais Leite
PLGA nanoparticles coated with lung tumor cell membrane for bevacizumab delivery in QuasiVivo® co-culture model of A549 and HUVEC cells.
We intend to develop a nonstructured system from the PLGA polymer and membrane of A549 tumor cells for specific delivery of the drug Bevacizumab. The idea is that this system will possess camouflage features to evade the immune system and surface characteristics for homotypic recognition.
Isabella Sampaio do Nascimento

Development of Rapid Test Kits for the diagnosis of Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease prevalent worldwide whose pathological agent, the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, has a high capacity for infection of the lungs, resulting in a high mortality rate. In this sense, the early diagnosis of the disease is essential for a more efficient treatment. This project aims to develop colorimetric and electrochemical biosensors for the detection of tuberculosis biomarkers in order to provide simple, fast, and accurate diagnostic kits.
Leonardo Miziara Barboza Ferreira

Nano-bio-interface studies of mucus-modulating particles containing remdesivir with respiratory epithelial membrane models under healthy and hyperinflammation conditions of COVID-19
This study aims to elucidate the mechanisms of interaction of mucus-modulating particles with mucus and surfactant producing cell membranes, two important biointerfaces in the release of the drug Remdesivir. The results will support the design and development of functional properties of this category of nanoparticles intended for pulmonary application in cases of respiratory syndrome of COVID-19.
Natália Noronha Ferreira Naddeo

Bioinspired and biomimetic nanostructured systems for nose-to-brain administration: a novel perspective for glioblastoma therapy
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) represents the main obstacle that limits adequate concentrations of different drugs designed for brain tumors therapy. The nose-to-brain delivery, which allows a direct connection to the CNS, has been proposed as an alternative. This study proposes the development of biomimetic and bioinspired nanostructured systems, containing temozolamide, the first-choice drug for glioblastoma treatment. Membrane-coated polymeric nanoparticles extracted from tumor cells will be rationally designed to provide an improved biological response, opening an unprecedented new therapeutic opportunity for GBM treatment.
Thales Rafael Machado

Novel biomimetic nanosystems based on calcium orthophosphates covered by cellular membranes for bioimaging and controlled release of antineoplastics
In modern nanomedicine, theranostic nanocarriers are in the front-line search for innovative solutions to improve the efficiency of traditional therapeutic methods, such as chemotherapy. The present project aims to obtain novel theranostic biomimetic nanosystems based on fluorescent calcium orthophosphates (CaPs) covered with the main constituents of cancer cell membranes. The nanocarriers will be used to delivery gemtabicine and paclitaxel antineoplastics, which are two first line therapeutic agents often coadministered in clinics to treat distinct cancers, including pancreatic cancer.
Valéria Maria de Oliveira Cardoso
Development of nanoformulations containing agrochemicals.
Agriculture is currently facing great challenges concerning sustainable production and the global distribution of food. The search for intelligent alternatives and more sustainable practices in the agricultural sector is crucial to face the population increase, depletion, and careless use of natural resources. Nanotechnology has great potential to revolutionize the agrifood sector. In this study, a proposal for the development of nanostructures systems for the controlled release of agrochemicals aims to provide an opportunity for the production of new products with potentially improved field properties and performance, which contribute to the promotion of more productive sustainable agriculture, reducing the impacts environmental and human health.
Angelica Maria Mazuera Zapata
Development and characterization of cell membrane coated Carboplatin-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles, functionalized with APTES, for lung cancer therapy.
Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) attracted the attention of researchers owing to their excellent properties including biocompatibility, high porosity, and optimal functionalization. These properties allow a greater drug loading capacity of different sizes for target and gene therapy. This research project uses these properties to produce a drug delivery as a target therapy in non-small cell lung cancer, using APTES-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles loaded with the drug Carboplatin (CNSM-CPt) and encapsulated in the cell membrane.
Claudia do Amaral Razzino
Development of biosensors for the detection of plant parasitic nematodes – Technology transfer
In this project an electrochemical immunosensor for the detection of four nematode species (M. incognita, M. javanica, H. glycines and P.brachyurus) is being replicated and optimized for commercial production. The immunosensor is based on gold multiplex devices modified with 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) and polyclonal capture antibodies that interact with total proteins of each nematode species.
Isabella Luiz Suzuki

Biomimetic artificial cells based on engineered lymphocytes as an innovative strategy in cancer therapy
Cancer comprises a heterogeneous group of diseases of multifactorial origin with high incidence and mortality. Targeted drug therapy aims to favor site-specific vectorization, minimizing systemic side effects. The development of artificial cells based on the use of membranes extracted from tumor cells and lymphocytes to create nanovesicles for the encapsulation of different chemotherapeutic agents represents an innovative technology with big potential in anti-cancer therapy. This project aims to develop nanovesicles composed of membranes of tumor cells combined with membranes of T lymphocytes, engineered for specific delivery of different therapeutic agents. The artificial cells will be used for the delivery of bevacizumab (BVZ) targeting the treatment of lung carcinoma and glioblastoma.
Fernanda Coelho

Theranostic platforms for discrimination and selective elimination of super-resistant bacteria in agriculture
The use of theranostic nanoparticles proved to be promising to overcome the antimicrobial resistance problem, being an alternative therapy in agriculture. Among this class of antimicrobial agents, silver nanoparticles have a broad spectrum of activity, and their combination with endolysin has been demonstrated to improve the antibacterial activity of the complex. This project aims to develop a theranostic platform composed by the association of silver nanoparticles with endolysin PlyB221, enabling the emergence of a system with a high potential for diagnosis and antibacterial treatment.
Doctoral Students
Érica Corina da Silva

Noninvasive tumor diagnostics using proteolytic activity nanosensors
The currently available diagnostic technologies of tumours are limited to relatively large lesions despite all advances in imaging techniques and the discovery of new biomarkers. A promising approach is utilizing smart nanomaterials that sense proteolytic activity misregulation in the tumour microenvironment and release a reporter in response to aid in the management of early tumour detection.
Jaqueline Vaz de Oliveira

Immunomodulatory potential, in the context of glioblastoma, of exosomes encapsulated by biocompatible polymeric nanoparticles.
Exosomes (Exo) are small vesicles that mediate intercellular communication and are produced by the endocytic system of several cell types, including cells that make up the immune system and tumor cells. Exo tumors have been used as a source of tumor antigens to sensitize the immune system and exosomes derived from dendritic cells (DC) are potentially capable of making tumor cells more immunogenic. Considering the potential of nanostructured systems for the delivery of bioactive molecules capable of stimulating the immune response, this project aims to design and use biocompatible polymeric nanoparticles (NP) loaded with exosomes derived from tumor cells (NP Exo-GBM) or cell-derived dendritic (NP Exo-DC) as immunomodulation instruments in the context of GBM.
Natalia Sanchez Moreno
Cell membrane-based nanocapsules containing novel chemotherapics for brain tumor therapy via nose-to-brain delivery.
Conventional glioblastoma (GBM) therapy has limited efficacy due to the blood-brain barrier presence, which limits the appropriate concentration of drugs in the brain. Due to its unique anatomical and physiological characteristics, nose-to-brain delivery has been proposed as an alternative in the drug administration destined for the CNS. This study intends to combine the antineoplastic properties of chromenes and melatonin, encapsulated in polymeric nanostructures, with the cell membrane coating technology, aiming for biological response improvement, providing valuable and innovative strategies for GBM treatment.
Isabel Galain
Bionanomaterials as a breakthrough tool for radiotherapy
Our main focus is to improve cancer treatment, especially radiotherapy. Since such treatment is not specific for tumor cells, we studied the use of high atomic number nanoparticles as radiosensitizers. These nanoparticles increase the absorption of radiation in cancer cells, allowing treatments with lower doses of radiation, leading to a decrease in side effects for the patient.
Lorena Leticia Peixoto de Lima

Biomimetic Nanostructured Systems as a therapeutic strategy for lung cancer.
The aim of the project is the development of PLGA nanoparticles (NP) coated with lung tumor cell membranes (A549) loaded with erlotinib for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), representing an innovative strategy, with great potential to improve biological response, opening a new unprecedented therapeutic opportunity for the treatment of lung cancer.
Maria Julia Bistaffa

Biomimetic nanoparticles coated with cell membranes as an innovative strategy in lung cancer therapy
In this PhD project, we propose the development of PLGA nanoparticles containing cisplatin coated with hybrid membranes of T lymphocytes and lung tumor cells (A549). This strategy offers specificity to the lung cancer cells, contributing to lower toxicity in adjacent healthy cells. In this sense, the proposed innovation may represent a strategy of great interest and potential for oncological application.
Master's Students
Luisa Vogado Ribeiro

Development of an electrochemical impedimetric immunosensor for Tuberculosis diagnosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease commonly caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Electrochemical sensors have attracted attention due to their simplicity, low-cost instrumentation, very low detection limits, and rapid response.In this study we present an electrochemical impedimetric immunosensor for the detection of recombinant protein CFP10:ESAT6 via biorecognition of Anti-ESAT-6 and anti-CFP10 antibodies for TB diagnosis.
Mariana Ottaiano Gonçalves
Inhibition of bacterial adhesion using curcumin encapsulated in nanomaterials coated with bacterial outer membrane vesicles.
Synthesis and characterization of polymeric nanomaterials of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) loaded with curcumin and coated with bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) for adhesion inhibition tests of different classes of pneumonia-causing bacteria and evaluation of the polarization pattern of macrophages present in the lung milieu.
João Victor Brandão Quitiba

Membrane nanoparticles and exosomes derived from tumor cells for delivery of immunomodulatory agents
One of the main factors favoring the growth and expansion of neoplastic cells is their ability to modulate the tumor microenvironment and evade immune surveillance. Therefore, the present project was formulated to develop nanocarriers to transport immunomodulatory agents into tumor cells, and to modulate the main cells of the immune system.
Raquel González Sterman
Biomimetic carrier nanovesicles for targeted drug delivery in lung carcinoma cells
Use of biomimetic nanovesicles formed from tumor cell membrane for simultaneous targeted delivery of the drugs erlotinib and cisplatin in lung carcinoma cells. The research aims to use nanotechnology to improve biosecurity and enhance the antitumor activity of the treatment.
Marco Antonio Montero Tuesta

Toxicological effects of Cerium oxide (CeO2) and Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles on the marine microalgae Navicula sp.
My research aims to evaluate the toxic effects of cerium oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles on the marine microalgae Navicula sp. population at structural and metabolic levels. The present study will serve as an important tool for managers and members of government entities to make decisions for better management in the manufacture, use, commercialization and disposal of nanomaterials, so that all these processes are carried out in a responsible and sustainable way.
Nayla Naomi Kusimoto Takeuti

Pietra de Barros Galvani

Application of multifunctional nanocarriers in lung cancer
There are several barriers that inhibit the efficiency of nanomaterials as theranostic agents for medical applications. Natural cell membrane nanoparticle coating is one of the strategies for solving such problems, combined with photothermal therapy. This project aims the development of theranostic systems composed of gold nanorods (AuNRs) coated with cell membrane (CM) extracted from lung cancer cells together with doxorubicin (DOX).
Yara Gabriele Botassio

Nanostructured Biomimetic Systems based on Tumor Membranes for the Treatment of Neuroblastoma
Development of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles loaded with paclitaxel (PTX), coated with neuroblastoma (NB) tumor cell membranes (SH-SY5Y). This strategy promotes targeting and accumulation of the nanostructures in the tumor microenvironment, representing a rational and innovative approach for neuroblastoma therapy.
Scientific Research
Anna Júlia São Gregório

Artificial biomimetic cells based on engineered lymphocytes as an innovative cancer treatment strategy
The general aim of the present work is the development of nanostructured systems for glioblastoma therapy using the nose-to-brain pathway. Therefore, synthesis and characterization of PLGA nanoparticles containing temozolomide will be designed for further evaluation of their mucoadhesive potential. Cultivation and cell membrane extraction from the U251 glioma cell line will integrate this study for further analysis of the interaction between nanoparticles and cell membranes.
Gabriel Machado de Oliveira
Nano-nutraceuticals containing astaxanthin associated with probiotics for the treatment of inflammatory bowel deseases
This project aims to develop lipid nanoparticle containing astaxanthin associated with probiotics useful in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The combination of anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and microbiota modulator functionalities is being explored in the optimization of the treatment of IBD, mainly Chron's Disease. This disease causes a lot of problems for patients, significantly affecting the patient's quality of life.
Gabriela Soares dos Santos
Cisplatin-loaded nanostructured systems for the treatment of lung cancer.
Cisplatin is a drug, approved in 1978, as the gold standard for the treatment of lung cancer; however, only 10% of the drug reaches the tumor tissue. Its lack of selectivity and the predisposition of tumor cells to become drug-resistant results in high toxicity. In this scientific initiation project, the main objective is to increase the effectiveness of nanoencapsulated cisplatin aiming at specific targeting and increasing its effectiveness in antitumor treatment.
Igor dos Santos Pedriz
Development and Application of Nanopharmaceuticals from the Repurposing of Therapeutic Agents against Covid-19: Mucus-Modulation Studies.
The antiviral remdesivir (RDV) was the first drug approved for the treatment of COVID-19. Its properties can be modulated from the design of biocompatible nanocarriers, such as poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid). Imagining pulmonary administration, it was decided to supplement these particles with chitosan and dextran, aiming to modulate interactions with the mucin protein barrier present in the mucosa.
Lívia Gabrielle Pacífico
Optimization of intrinsic luminescence in nanoparticles of hydroxyapatite for application in cell imaging
Synthesis of autofluorescent hydroxyapatite (f-HA) nanoparticles (NPs) by chemical precipitation. Characterization of NPs obtained in powder and suspension. Study of the properties of f-HA NPs before and after performing heat treatments for applications in diagnostic nanomedicine via fluorescence imaging.
Lorany Vitoria dos Santos Barbosa
Application of paclitaxel nanoencapsulated with PLGA in lung cancer treatment.
The project proposes the development of the polymeric nanoparticles of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), a biocompatible and biodegradable copolymer, for paclitaxel delivery in lung cancer treatment, to modulate the action of this drug.
Maria Eduarda da Silva Saladine

Biomimetic artificial cells based on engineered lymphocytes as an innovative strategy in cancer therapy.
The project aims to develop a nanostructured system capable of improving the action of the carboplatin drug through different methods of nanoparticle synthesis, with the objective of obtaining greater stability and encapsulation efficiency of the drug, which will be used in the treatment of lung cancer.
Maria Vitória Silva Pereira

Development of PLGA nanoparticles encapsulated with bevacizumab in lung carcinoma therapy
The present project aims to develop and characterize a delivery system based on PLGA nanoparticles for encapsulating and releasing bevacizumab (BVZ), a recombinant monoclonal antibody that inhibits pro-angiogenic factors, in the treatment of lung carcinoma (NSCLC), also evaluating its efficacy in in vitro assays in cell culture (strain A549).
Mariane Ansoni Ferreira
Development of nanoparticles for encapsulation and delivery of chemotherapy in the treatment of pulmonary carcinoma
The project aims to develop a system composed of NLS to encapsulate PTX and the 5-ALA photosensitizer in order to promote a more targeted and effective effect of both treatments, aiming at the synergistic effect. It is expected that the incorporation of these actives in a delivery system will improve its stability and optimize its action on cancer cells, so that the results can contribute to research and studies of treatments against this type of cancer.
Natan Marques Menezes e Oliveira

Engineered Lymphocyte-Based Artificial Biomimetic Cells As An Innovative Strategy In Cancer Therapy
The project aims to study the antitumor activity of biomimetic nanoparticles made with pieces of glioblastoma membranes and T lymphocytes, incorporated with temozolamide and bevacizumab, substances that are respectively associated with the antineoplastic and antiangiogenic effect in glioblastoma, a tumor of the central nervous system, characterized by grade IV malignancy and regions of intense angiogenesis.
Nathália Liz Barrios

Establishment and morphological characterization of spheroids derived from human hepatocarninoma cell line.
This Project aims to establish and characterize a protocol for 3D cell culture from human hepatocarcinoma cells. In this Project the cell growth model used will be the “scaffold-free”, wich is characterized by cell growth free off a substrate and the formation os spheroids from the hanging drop methodology in wich there is the formation of a drop subject to the action of gravity allowing the formation os spheroids.
Thifany Tamires dos Santos Caldeira
Biomimetic nanoparticles coated with hybrid membrane of lung adenocarcinoma and lymphoblasts to application in therapy against lung cancer.
The main part of this project is to develop and characterization of biomimetic nanostructured systems intended for the treatment of lung cancer. For this, the systems will be coated with hybrid cell membranes (lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549) and lymphoblasts) to allow a specific drug site for the lung tumor microenvironment. Thus, these systems should contribute to reducing toxicity, reducing the reduction, and increasing the measure.
Ana Laura Moreno Martins Sanchez

RGD Tripeptide Functionalized Polymeric Nanoparticles for Targeted Delivery of 5-Fluorouracil in the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer
Today, colorectal cancer is the second most lethal and highly prevalent cancer worldwide. In its treatment, 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a widely used chemotherapeutic drug; however, it comes with many side effects. An innovative approach is the use of a controlled release system, and this project aims to develop polymeric nanoparticles functionalized with the tripeptide RGD to encapsulate 5-FU, achieving greater treatment efficiency for cancer and improved patient well-being.
Flávia Langellotti Silva

Development of a polymeric nanostructured system functionalized with a cell membrane and loaded with Imatinib to combat Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Leukemia is the most common cancer among children and teenager under the age of 15, in which normal cells are replaced by cancer cells, thus promoting an overproduction of abnormal white blood cells. In this sense, one of the forms of this disease is chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and, although there are several drugs used in the treatment, such as Imatinib, problems related to that use are noticeable, such as nausea, diarrhea and fatigue, in addition to the development of compound resistance. As results, it is expected that the nanoparticles are competent in delivering Imatinib with more specificity to cancer cells, by being coated by membranes of these cells, resulting in a decrease in the side effects and an increase in treatment success. It is also expected to lower the endocytosis of nanoparticles through the application of Esomeprazole.
Vitor Ribeiro de Almeida Reis

Development of nanostructured Rapid Tests for differential detection of Tuberculosis and Pneumonia
This project aims at the development of a multiplex lateral flow biosensor capable of simultaneously detecting the pneumolysin biomarkers from Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, the pathogen causing pneumonia, and the Hsp65 protein from Mycobacterium Tuberculosis bacteria, the causative agent of Tuberculosis. The purpose is to provide a practical, sensitive, and specific alternative for the differential diagnosis of these diseases. For this purpose, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) will be used as colorimetric probes for each biomarker.
Beatriz Lauriano de Oliveira

Biomimetic artificial cells based on engineered lymphocytes as an innovative strategy in cancer therapy
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly malignant form of glioma, with a high risk of recurrence and mortality. Conventional GBM therapy has limited efficacy due to the invasive and heterogeneous nature of the tumor. A successful strategy for delivering different drugs to the CNS is to apply nanotechnology to aid drug delivery.