Research Projects

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary brain tumor in adults, accounting for 45.2% of malignant primary brain and CNs tumors. Despite the potential of therapeutic agents like Temozolomide and Perillyl alcohol, their poor solubility and inability to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) hinder effective drug delivery. To address this, an innovative approach combining structural DNA nanotechnology and biofunctionalized polymer scaffolds is proposed. DNA molecules can be precisely engineered to self-assemble into complex nanostructures with high programmability, allowing for the design of custom shapes and sizes. This precision is advantageous for creating targeted drug delivery systems or diagnostic probes tailored for specific GBM markers. The project aims to develop a modular and versatile DNA-based Nanogels system capable of delivering anticancer therapeutic agents with precision and efficiency. The initial phase focuses on preparing complementary oligonucleotides that self-assemble into DNA Nanogels. The DNA-based Nanogels will be validated in vitro, ex vivo, and potentially in vivo neuronal cancer models. These DNA-based Nanogels hold great promise as advanced tools in the field of biomedical applications, offering significant potential for enhancing targeted drug delivery and personalized medicine approaches in the fight against GBM.