Bioengineered nanofluidics for the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases
Prof. Alessandro Grattoni
Dep. of Nanomedicine, Methodist Research Institute
Houston, Texas, USA.
DEIB - Conference Room "E. Gatti" (Bld. 20)
June 20th, 2023
2.30 pm
Contacts:
Monica Soncini
Research Line:
Biological and Biomechanical Engineering
Dep. of Nanomedicine, Methodist Research Institute
Houston, Texas, USA.
DEIB - Conference Room "E. Gatti" (Bld. 20)
June 20th, 2023
2.30 pm
Contacts:
Monica Soncini
Research Line:
Biological and Biomechanical Engineering
Sommario
On June 20th, 2023 at 2.30 pm Prof. Alessandro Grattoni, Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, will hold a seminar on "Bioengineered nanofluidics for the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases" in DEIB Conference Room (Building 20).
Significant advancements in controlled delivery systems have facilitated the creation of technologies that can imitate endocrine glands to prevent and treat chronic illnesses. Microfluidic and nanofluidic systems, in particular, possess unique capabilities to regulate the release and transportation of molecules to particular tissues and to establish suitable microenvironments for live therapeutics (1). Through the utilization of innovative semiconductor microfabrication techniques and additive manufacturing, we have developed ceramic and polymeric nanofluidic platforms that allow for customizable, long-lasting drug delivery and cell transplantation. When combined with the antiretroviral therapeutics, our implantable technologies demonstrated 100% pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) efficacy against SHIV infection in non-human primates (2). Furthermore, we have been able to modulate the tumor immune microenvironment and achieve anti-tumor efficacy in models of triple-negative breast cancer and pancreatic adenocarcinoma through the sustained intra-tumoral delivery of immunotherapeutics (3,4). Lastly, by utilizing a 3D-printed implantable nanofluidic architecture that enables cell transplantation and local immunosuppression, we were able to reverse type 1 diabetes in an allogenic transplantation model in diabetic rats (5). In this presentation, we will provide an overview of our work and the potential application of these nanofluidic technologies for medical use both on Earth and in space.
Significant advancements in controlled delivery systems have facilitated the creation of technologies that can imitate endocrine glands to prevent and treat chronic illnesses. Microfluidic and nanofluidic systems, in particular, possess unique capabilities to regulate the release and transportation of molecules to particular tissues and to establish suitable microenvironments for live therapeutics (1). Through the utilization of innovative semiconductor microfabrication techniques and additive manufacturing, we have developed ceramic and polymeric nanofluidic platforms that allow for customizable, long-lasting drug delivery and cell transplantation. When combined with the antiretroviral therapeutics, our implantable technologies demonstrated 100% pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) efficacy against SHIV infection in non-human primates (2). Furthermore, we have been able to modulate the tumor immune microenvironment and achieve anti-tumor efficacy in models of triple-negative breast cancer and pancreatic adenocarcinoma through the sustained intra-tumoral delivery of immunotherapeutics (3,4). Lastly, by utilizing a 3D-printed implantable nanofluidic architecture that enables cell transplantation and local immunosuppression, we were able to reverse type 1 diabetes in an allogenic transplantation model in diabetic rats (5). In this presentation, we will provide an overview of our work and the potential application of these nanofluidic technologies for medical use both on Earth and in space.
Biografia
Dr. Grattoni’s research activities are dedicated to the development and clinical translation of implantable technology platforms for controlled long-acting drug delivery and cell transplantation. Active areas of research include HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), metabolic syndrome, and intratumoral cancer immunoradiotherapy. Additionally,
Dr. Grattoni’s laboratory is actively studying electrokinetics in nanofluidics for modulating molecular transport to achieve a remotely controlled drug delivery platform for telemedicine. Further area of research is 3D-manufactured microencapsulation devices for the transplantation of endocrine cells. The primary focus is the creation of a protected environment supporting cell transplantation, long-term viability and function. Areas of applications include type 1 diabetes and hypogonadism among others. With the support for the ISS National Lab, Dr. Grattoni has established a Center for Space Nanomedicine at the Houston Methodist Research Institute, fully focused on leveraging the microgravity laboratory of the International Space Station, for the investigation of nanomedicine approaches for the benefit of patients on-Earth as well as for Space exploration. Dr. Grattoni is founder and scientific advisor for two spin-off companies, Semper Therapeutics and NanoGland which are focused on the clinical translation of the technology platforms developed in his laboratory.
The event will be held online by Webex.
Dr. Grattoni’s laboratory is actively studying electrokinetics in nanofluidics for modulating molecular transport to achieve a remotely controlled drug delivery platform for telemedicine. Further area of research is 3D-manufactured microencapsulation devices for the transplantation of endocrine cells. The primary focus is the creation of a protected environment supporting cell transplantation, long-term viability and function. Areas of applications include type 1 diabetes and hypogonadism among others. With the support for the ISS National Lab, Dr. Grattoni has established a Center for Space Nanomedicine at the Houston Methodist Research Institute, fully focused on leveraging the microgravity laboratory of the International Space Station, for the investigation of nanomedicine approaches for the benefit of patients on-Earth as well as for Space exploration. Dr. Grattoni is founder and scientific advisor for two spin-off companies, Semper Therapeutics and NanoGland which are focused on the clinical translation of the technology platforms developed in his laboratory.
The event will be held online by Webex.
