News

Bringing Hope to Cancer Treatment: New Pioneering Advances in Nanotechnology

NANBIOSIS Researchers Lead the Way in Innovative Nanomedicine Approaches

Cancer remains a formidable challenge globally, with 19.1 million cases diagnosed in 2020, resulting in nearly 10 million deaths. However, amidst these alarming statistics, a beacon of hope emerges from the field of nanomedicine.

Spearheaded by Professor Jesus Santamaria and his team at the NFP group, part of the NANBIOSIS ICTS Unit 9, groundbreaking advancements in nanotechnology are revolutionizing cancer treatment. Funded by the European Research Council, their efforts mark a significant stride towards more effective and targeted therapies.

“The potential adverse effects (of antineoplastic agents) on healthy cells is the main limitation, in addition to the development of drug resistance by cancer cells.”
—Dr. Jose L. Hueso, Scientific Coordinator of Unit 9

Traditional cancer treatments like surgery, chemotherapy (CT), and radiotherapy (RT) have long been the mainstays of clinical intervention. While effective, their indiscriminate nature often leads to debilitating side effects and the development of dreaded drug resistances in cancer cells. Chemotherapy, in particular, poses significant challenges due to its adverse effects on healthy cells.

This is where nanoscience and nanotechnology come to play. These cutting-edge disciplines offer promising avenues for the development of selective and precise cancer therapies. The work of Prof. Santamaria’s team focuses on leveraging nanoparticles to deliver tailored treatments directly to cancerous tissues while minimizing collateral damage to healthy cells.

Their innovative approach involves the synthesis of inorganic and carbon-based nanoparticles with enzyme-mimicking capabilities. These nanoparticles exhibit a multifaceted response within the tumor microenvironment, from consuming glucose to generating reactive oxidative species. Moreover, they disrupt the antioxidant defense mechanisms of cancer cells, rendering them more susceptible to treatment.

Collaborative efforts with esteemed researchers like Pilar Martin Duque, Luisa de Cola, and Asier Unciti-Broceta further enhance the potential of these nanotherapeutic strategies. Together, they strive to refine nanoparticle delivery systems, protect the catalytic activity in the tumor microenvironment, and engineer anticancer prodrugs using bioorthogonal chemistry.

The implications of these advancements are profound. By harnessing the power of nanotechnology, researchers have the tools to revolutionize cancer treatments. With greater specificity and reduced toxicity, nanotherapies offer renewed hope for patients battling this relentless disease.

As the field of nanotechnology continues to evolve, the potential for personalized, precision medicine approaches tailored to individual patients becomes increasingly tangible. With the expertise of NANBIOSIS ICST researchers at the forefront of this revolution, the future of cancer treatment shines brighter than ever before.

NFP group: Members currently working on the development of novel strategies of synthesis, encapsulation and delivery of active catalysts against cancer include: Dr. Víctor Sebastián, Dr. Ana Martín, Dr. María Sancho, Dr. Jose L. Hueso, Dr. Javier Bonet and PhD students: Andrea Mosseri, Ángeles Valls, Miguel Encinas, Jose Ignacio Garcia Peiro, Leticia Sanchez, Estefanía Chico.

Additional information

The goal of NANBIOSIS is to provide comprehensive and integrated advanced solutions for companies and research institutions in biomedical applications. All of this is done through a single-entry point, involving the design and production of biomaterials, nanomaterials, and their nanoconjugates, along with their characterization from physical-chemical, functional, toxicological, and biological perspectives (preclinical validation).

In order to access our biomedical Solutions, apply here.

NANBIOSIS has worked with pharmaceutical companies of all sizes in the areas of drug delivery, biomaterials and regenerative medicine. Here are a few of them:

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‘Magic Bullets’ Against Cancer: Unveiling the Potential of DNA Nanoparticles

DNA nanoparticles to selectively target tumor tissues through precise control of the synergies between transported drugs.

February 2024, IQAC-CSIC/CIBER-BBN, Barcelona. The team led by Drs. Carme Fàbrega and Ramón Eritja, in close collaboration with 3 units of the NANBIOSIS ICTS, has developed a new strategy to improve the efficacy and reduce the toxicity of anticancer drugs. They have chemically linked several cytotoxic drugs, currently used in the treatment of various types of tumors, to DNA nanostructures. These structures selectively target cancerous tissues through folate receptors. This tactic allows precise control of drug concentration and exploits their combined effect. The results of this study represent a significant step forward towards the development of more effective and safer cancer treatments. This year 2024, they published their study in the Nanomedicine journal by Elsevier.

“The ‘Magic Bullet’ of Dr. Ehrlich” is not the title of an old pulp magazine. Rather, it is the concept that the German physician and Nobel Prize winner coined to refer to an ideal therapeutic agent capable of acting specifically against a particular disease without affecting healthy cells.

In the case of cancer therapies, we are far from reaching that magic bullet. However, science is bringing us closer to it every day.

Many current anticancer drugs are designed to intercalate into the DNA of cells and alter their function, inducing cell death. One of the most significant problems with these therapies is their adverse effects, as these drugs can also affect non-tumor cells. One way to compensate for this is by combining multiple drugs, creating synergies between them. However, this often greatly hinders both drugs from reaching the target tissue at the appropriate concentrations to exert their synergy.

A strategy to approach the concept coined by the Nobel Prize involves selectively directing drugs towards cancerous tissues and releasing them in a controlled and localized manner. This increases their concentration in the tumor area, reducing the effect on the rest of the organs and tissues.

Thanks to the ability of many drugs to intercalate into DNA, one of the most promising vehicles are DNA nanostructures. These artificially constructed nanocarriers can retain the drug and, due to their enormous versatility, can be designed to selectively target the tumor. Once there, they release the drug in a controlled manner into the cancer cells, ensuring that healthy tissues are not exposed to a toxic concentration of the drug.

However, these DNA nanocarriers face several challenges: low internalization in diseased cells, low selectivity of the target tissues, or limited control over the amount of drug loaded inside and how it binds. Additionally, they only allow the transport of DNA intercalating drugs, limiting the range of applicable therapies.

In a recent study published in the Nanomedicine journal by Elsevier, the team led by Dr. Carme Fàbrega and Dr. Ramón Eritja, in close collaboration with 3 units of the NANBIOSIS ICTS, present a new approach [1]. Through a strategy to control the binding of the drug and its concentration within their DNA nanostructures, they have succeeded in increasing efficacy and reducing toxicity.

Instead of intercalating the drugs as usual, the researchers chemically conjugated each drug to a piece of the puzzle that would later form the nanostructure. They managed this way to precisely attach three anticancer drugs to their vehicles, each of them acting on a different anticancer mechanism and promoting a synergistic effect between them. Additionally, they achieved selective targeting by binding their nanostructures to folate receptors, expressed massively in a wide variety of tumor types.

This pioneering methodology is capable of attaching multiple drugs to DNA nanostructures, each at predetermined concentrations. This represents a leap forward in advancing towards the generation of that effective and harmless magic bullet that Dr. Ehrlich envisioned.

References

[1] Natalia Navarro, Anna Aviñó, Òscar Domènech, Jordi H. Borrell, Ramon Eritja, Carme Fàbrega, Defined covalent attachment of three cancer drugs to DNA origami increases cytotoxicity at nanomolar concentration, Nanomedicine: Nanotechnology, Biology and Medicine, Volume 55, 2024, 102722, ISSN 1549-9634, DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2023.102722.

Additional information

In this project, three NANBIOSIS units have collaborated: Unit 12, with a characterization and scientific advisory role; Unit 18, providing one of the nanotoxic drugs; and Unit 29, contributing to the synthesis of oligonucleotides.

In order to access our biomedical Solutions, apply here.

NANBIOSIS has worked with pharmaceutical companies of all sizes in the areas of drug delivery, biomaterials and regenerative medicine. Here are a few of them:

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1st Open call 2024 for preferential access to the ICTS NANBIOSIS

NANBIOSIS opens in February the 1st competitive open call 2024 for its “Cutting-Edge Biomedical Solutions” and services.

NANBIOSIS is a research infrastructure for Biomedicine in which three cutting-edge public institutions collaborate forming a deeply interconnected laboratory network: CIBER-BBN, CCMIJU and IBIMA-Plataforma BIONAND. In addition, NANBIOSIS is part of the Spanish Map of ICTS (Spanish for “Scientific and Technical Unique Infrastructures”), approved by the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades .

Our publicly funded facilities and internationally renowned scientist will help you design and test biomedical solutions to your heart’s content. We are open to all interested national and international users who may come either from the public or the private sector. You can apply to use our services in two modalities: under the “Competitive Open Access” (within two designated calls) or by “Access on Demand”, your choice.

To make that happen, at least 20% of the NANBIOSIS Units’ capacity is granted on the Competitive Open Access modality. The proposals granted under this modality will be prioritized according to criteria of scientific and technical quality and singularity. In addition, a 5% discount will be applied for those proposals that resort to at least one of our integrated services, the Cutting-Edge Biomedical Solutions.

There are 2 calls per year for Competitive Open Access that allow the prioritization of the best proposals. Click here to apply.

The next call will open on February 1st. The applications can be submitted throughout the whole month (due date February 29th). Access application forms submitted after that date will be processed under the “Access on Demand” modality.

Proposals granted in the Competitive Open Access modality must meet, at least, one of the circumstances listed in the access application form (“order request“), in order to demonstrate their scientific and technical quality or singularity.

Thus, for example, applications related to R&D projects funded through national or European calls are eligible. In addition, the proposals are required to use one of the NANBIOSIS “Cutting-Edge Biomedical Solutions”. That implies the interaction of at least two of our Units, which can be modified to your specific needs.

NANBIOSIS Cutting-edge Biomedical Solutions

NANBIOSIS has worked with pharmaceutical companies of all sizes in the areas of drug delivery, biomaterials and regenerative medicine. Here are a few of them:

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NANBIOSIS U1_Protein Production Platform expands its facilities at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, strengthening its capabilities.

NANBIOSIS Unit 1 Protein Production Platform (PPP) of CIBER-BBN and UAB, has taken a significant step towards enhancing its service capabilities in the field of recombinant protein production and purification.

Until now, due to space constraints at the Institute of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (IBB), U1’s activities were confined to half of a small laboratory. However, thanks to the ongoing commitment of the center to bolster the PPP’s activities, this unit has gained access to a laboratory, along with an office, exclusively designated for the platform within the IBB premises, creating an optimal environment for the process of protein production and purification.

This initiative has not only solidified the space that PPP occupies within the IBB and the UAB but also signifies a boost for UAB’s internal services, reinforcing its position as an integral part of ICTS NANBIOSIS, thereby strengthening its commitment to research and scientific excellence.

The center, in its steadfast support for PPP’s activities, has prioritized the allocation of this new space over other needs, recognizing the potential and strategic importance of this service for advancing molecular research, not only within the institution but also within the scientific community at large.

The immediate impact of this facility expansion has resulted in the provision of an optimal space to accommodate all FPLC-AKTA purification equipment, essential for providing quality service. Additionally, new equipment has been acquired, notably including the incorporation of a large-sized refrigerator capable of housing a FPLC-AKTA unit. This development represents a qualitative leap, enabling the PPP to optimize processes for purifying thermosensitive proteins.

The new spaces of the PPP are now adjacent to the spaces of the Nanobiotechnology Group (NBT), enhancing the exchange of information and knowledge between both, and facilitating direct access to shared resources, thereby stimulating interaction. The combination of expertise in protein design and purification with specialization in nanobiotechnology opens up a broad horizon for innovation and the development of disruptive solutions in various fields.

In the words of the responsible team, “this expansion represents a significant step forward, allowing NANBIOSIS U1 not only to advance in its current service provision but also to open doors to new improvement opportunities”.

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Good News! Protein Nanoparticles with a New Ligand Select and Destroy Tumor-associated Fibroblasts”

With the participation of two units of NANBIOSIS ICTS and the expertise of the scientists managing these units

The study, fruit of the collaboration between the Nanotechnology group of the Institute of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (IBB-UAB), led by Prof. Antonio Villaverde, and the Oncogenesis and Antitumor Drugs group of the Sant Pau Research Institute, led by Dr. Ramon Mangues, both members of CIBER-BBN, has made significant progress by identifying the natural ligand PDGFD as an effective tool to target protein nanoparticles to tumor-associated fibroblasts that overexpress the PDGFR-β receptor. Given the relevance of the discovery, this technology has been intellectually protected by a patent that is currently being processed (PCT/EP2023/081937).

The research, the details of which have recently been published in the journal Acta Biomaterialia, presents an innovative strategy focused on the development of protein nanoparticles that assemble autonomously and are capable of selectively recognizing and destroying tumor-associated fibroblasts with high levels of PDGFR-β. This cell type plays a fundamental role in the tumor microenvironment, providing mechanical and biological support for tumor growth and progression in various types of cancers.

Taking advantage of their solid experience in the development of tumor-targeting protein nanoparticles and their functional characterization in in vitro and in vivo models of different types of cancer, both groups set out on this occasion to design new nanoparticles targeting tumor-associated fibroblasts with PDGFR-β overexpression. Among the different ligands tested, PDGFD has been selected for its ability to induce selective penetration into target cells both in vitro and in vivo, using a murine model with a subcutaneous tumor. In these experiments, the PDGFD-GFP-H6 fusion protein, formed by the chosen ligand, the green fluorescent protein and a histidine tail with an important role in obtaining nanoparticles, accumulates precisely in tumor tissues, demonstrating its ability from being delivered in tumor.

By replacing GFP with a microbial toxin present in antitumor treatments approved for clinical use, a significant reduction in tumor volume growth is observed, without showing toxic collateral effects in mice. In this way, the PDGFR-β/PDGFD couple has been validated as a versatile tool for the targeted delivery of drugs to the tumor microenvironment. These promising results pave the way for future developments in nanomedicine and offer new hope in the search for more effective and less invasive treatments for cancer patients.

The research has been performed with the collaborative participation of two units of the ICTS “NANBIOSIS”, more specifically the units U1 of Protein Production Platform, PPP and U18, Nanotoxicology Unit, and is framed in the context of the intramural collaboration of the CIBER-BBN “FIBOLISM”, coordinated by Dr Lorena Alba Castellon.

Referenced article

Eric Voltà-Durán•, Lorena Alba-Castellón• , Naroa Serna, Isolda Casanova, Hèctor López-Laguna, Alberto Gallardo, Alejandro Sánchez-Chardi, Antonio Villaverde, Ugutz Unzueta, Esther Vázquez, Ramón Mangues*. High-precision targeting and destruction of cancer-associated PDGFR-β+ stromal fibroblasts through self-assembling, protein-only nanoparticles. Acta Biomaterialia 170 543-555 (2023) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actbio.2023.09.001

• Equal contribution

*Corresponding authors

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NANBIOSIS U1 PPP invited to PEGS, the Protein & Antibody Engineering Summit

*Image explained by Merce Márquez Martínez, Coordinator of NANBIOSIS U1

The NBT group and Unit 1 of NANBIOSIS (Protein Production Platform, PPP), from CIBER-BBN and IBB-UAB, participated in the 15^th PEGS Europe conference held in Lisbon from November 14^th to 16^th. PEGS, or the Protein & Antibody Engineering Summit, is a prestigious conference, organized by the Cambridge Healthtech Institute (CHI), focusing on protein engineering and its applications in drug discovery, development, and delivery. This conference serves as a valuable platform for knowledge exchange among researchers, scientists, industry experts, and professionals in the field of protein science.

From left to right, Julieta María Sanchez, Merce Márquez, José Luis Corchero and Eloi Parlade

The conference typically includes workshops, seminars, keynote presentations, panel discussions, poster sessions, and exhibitions. These elements allow participants to delve into various aspects of protein engineering, covering topics such as novel technologies, therapeutic targets, biologics development, and innovative strategies for protein design and optimization. PEGS fosters networking, collaboration, and learning in the dynamic field of protein engineering.

The meeting featured parallel sessions covering various thematic areas like engineering, targets, bispecifics, immunotherapy, analytical methods, expression, machine learning, and training seminars. Notably, this year’s focus was on the application of antibodies as treatment platforms, particularly in oncology. Artificial intelligence topic, however, had a significant presence at the conference as a tool for the prediction of protein structures, understanding their functions, and accelerating drug discovery processes. Algorithms were discussed for analyzing extensive biological data to model protein behavior, predict protein folding patterns, identify potential drug targets, and design novel proteins with specific functions. Additionally, tools aiding in protein engineering, optimizing production methods, and facilitating the development of personalized medicine by analyzing individual variations in protein interactions were highlighted.

The NBT group, and PPP from NANBIOSIS, was the only Spanish research group invited to have an active participation in the meeting. Specifically, the group contributed invited oral presentations in the tracks of “cell line and systems engineering”, “Optimizing expression platforms” and “Protein process development”. These oral presentations, along with a poster, focused on presenting the latest results of the group in the field of microparticles as protein-only based platforms for drug delivery and optimizing the production of recombinant proteins in mammalian cells.

In addition, the Technical Coordinator of the NANBIOSIS’s Unit 1 (PPP) was invited as a chairperson to moderate and lead the session titled: “Overcoming expression and production challenges for unique proteins”.

In this setting, connections were established with researchers who share an interest in our work, and there is an anticipation of forging new collaborations.

The upcoming PEGS conference scheduled for 2024 will be held in Barcelona, and the group looks forward to showcasing their latest findings once more.

*Image: Representation by AI of Artificial Microparticles: Robot generating microparticles with embedded DNA fragments. These particles on micro scale are mainly composed by proteins that self-assemble into these larger structures when cations are added. These particles are able to slowly disintegrate into the constitutive proteins, functioning as an effective platform for drug delivery in several medical applications. Specifically designed as carriers, they provide a sustained and continuous release of protein-based drugs over several days, ensuring controlled and gradual administration for therapeutic purposes.

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From the molecule to the bioassay by Custom antibody service (CAbS)-NANBIOSIS U2 as a PTI+Global Health Infraestructure

During 20-22 of November 2023, the III PTI+Global Health Scientific Conference were held in the Center for Human and Social Sciences, in Madrid.

In March 2020, the CSIC (Spanish National Research Council) launched the the Interdisciplinary Thematic Platform (PTI) on Global Health to bring together research teams and enhance knowledge about the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which caused the pandemic. The PTI has mobilized and coordinates more than 400 scientists from 50 CSIC institutes in all areas.

The annual PTI+Global Health Scientific Conference are a meeting space where the results of the research carried out in the laboratories can be shown and discussed.

In the words of Margarita del Val, coordinator of the PTI+Global Health “In these III Conferences we are looking to the future to see how we evolve from the coronavirus to be prepared for future pandemics due to infectious diseases”. Iñaki Comas, coordinator of the PTI explained that this conference has been focused on “How to approach infectious diseases from a particular corner of knowledge but in an interdisciplinary way to be in a better position to face these global health challenges”.

The research caried out by the Nb4D group – NANBIOSIS U2 were presented by Julian Guercetti and Lluisa Villaplana:

“Towards a novel molecular signature for diagnosing infections based on Quorum sensing” M.-Pilar Marco; Juan Raya; Nuria Pascual; Nerea Castro; Carla Ferrero; J.-Pablo Salvador

“Immuno-μSARS2 chip: Correlating COVID-19 clinical severity with IgG personalized profiles” Julian Guercetti; Marc Alorda; Miriam Royo; Alicia Lacoma; Eduardo Padilla; Juan P. Horcajada; Silvia Castaneda; Agustín
Gutierrez-Galvez; Santiago Marco; J. Pablo Salvador; Pilar Marco, in this case with also with the participation of NANBIOSIS U3 Synthesis of Peptides Unit, led by Miriam Royo

“Using quorum sensing based antibodies as a new therapeutic strategy to treat Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections” Lluïsa Vilaplana Holgado; Bárbara Rodriguez Urretavizcaya; M.-Pilar Marco Colás

The Custom Antibody Service (CAbS) – NANBIOSIS U2 was presented by Julian Guercetti as one a PTI+Salud Global Infraestructure

“Custom antibody service (CAbS) from the molecule to the bioassay” Nuria Pascual Duran; Andrea Bastias; Idoia Camí; J.Pablo Salvador; Julian Guercetti; Lidia Hinojosa; Montserrat Rodriguez; Pilar Marco

Nanbiosis Unit 2 (Custom Antibody Service-CAbS) is a technological facility established in 2009 as part of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and the Biomedical Research Center Network of Bioengineering, Biomaterials, and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN). Located within the Institute of Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (CSIC) in Barcelona, the platform is equipped with a cell culture laboratory, housing the necessary equipment for obtaining, selecting, growing, and storing hybridomas. Additionally, the service offers laboratories for the synthesis of immunogens and the characterization of the produced antibodies.
The CAbS platform provides its monoclonal and polyclonal antibody production services to groups affiliated with CSIC and CIBER-BBN, as well as other research groups from public or private institutions and companies.
The primary goal of the service is to deliver high-quality service and scientific guidance in the production of immunoreagents, including polyclonal, monoclonal antibodies, and antibody fragments, as well as various probes such as protein and enzyme bioconjugates, biotinylated and fluorescent probes, biofunctionalized particles, and more.
The service is adaptable to each client’s needs and can produce antibodies against proteins, peptides, organic molecules, or other antigens through standardized or customized protocols. Special emphasis is placed on the immunogen design phase, a crucial aspect for modulating antibody selectivity and affinity.
One distinguishing feature of the CAbS service is its provision of guidance and assistance in preparing immunogens and producing antibodies for low-molecular-weight molecules, such as pigments, hormones, or anabolic agents. Service management is overseen by the NB4D group at IQAC-CSIC, a team with extensive experience in this field. Each service request is reviewed by a Scientific Committee, which produces a feasibility report before project acceptance. Users are kept informed of project progress at all stages and are consulted before proceeding based on the achieved results.
The services offered by the platform include:
• Preliminary discussion of project characteristics
• Design and synthesis of haptens
• Preparation of bioconjugates
• Hybridoma development
• Production of monoclonal antibodies
• Production of polyclonal antibodies
• Additional services (antibody purification, monoclonal antibody isotyping, etc.)
• Guidance and setup of immunoassays.

Recently, the unit has acquired a Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) instrument, which enables real-time detection and monitoring of interactions between two or more molecules without the need for labelling. The studies conducted with this instrument serve to determine specificity between compounds and/or characterize the kinetics and affinity of
these interactions. This SPR was funded by the European Commission – NextGenerationEU (Regulation EU 2020/2094), through CSIC’s Global Health Platform (PTI Salud Global).

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The door is now open to a new nanoparticle-based treatment for chronic liver disease

– It is possible to achieve an administration method that improves the effectiveness and increases the safety of drugs for chronic liver disease?

-Yes, with nanoparticles!

– How?

To find an answer, was created the european project NANOSIM (Biodegradable nanoparticles of Simvastatin as new therapeutic tool for chronic liver disease financed in the Joint Transnational Call (2018) led by the Hospital Vall d´Hebron. A translational research proposed as an approach for its use in patients.

Until now, the only therapeutic option for patients is to eliminate the etiological agent (or the external promoter of damage), whether it is a virus, such as Hepatitis B, or a substance, such as alcohol. Once the agent is eliminated, only preventive treatment of the main associated complications can be carried out, but nothing to prevent or slow down the damage to the liver.

Now, the team behind NANOSIM project has published a study in the journal Pharmaceutics that opens the door to a treatment that specifically targets the sinusoidal endothelial cells of the liver, which are the first inducers of liver damage. The innovation is not a new drug, but a new delivery method that uses nanotechnology so that the drug acts directly on key liver cells.

The study has been led by María Martell, head of the Advanced Chronic Liver Diseases laboratory within the VHIR Liver Diseases group and with the collaboration of Ibane Abasolo, head of the VHIR Clinical Biochemistry, Drug Delivery and Therapy group. The researchers from both groups belong to the Network Biomedical Research Center (CIBER) in the area of Liver and Digestive Diseases (CIBEREHD) and Biomedicine, Biomaterial and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN), respectively. The U20 of the ICTS NANBIOSIS has also participated in the study.

Dr. Martell highlights the importance of advancing new and better treatments for cirrhosis: “Chronic liver diseases are the fifth cause of mortality in adults aged 50-70 years and cause 85% of liver transplants. Only in the territory European it is estimated that there are 29 million people affected”.

The research team focused on simvastatin, a drug used as an adjunctive therapy for cholesterol and which had been shown to have a protective function of endothelial cells, which are key to preventing the creation of liver fibrosis that causes liver inflammation. The problem is that oral or intravenous administration of the necessary dose causes a series of side effects, at the muscle and liver level, which limits its use. The goal of the research was to find a way to deliver the drug directly to the endothelial cells of the hepatic sinus without it being able to disperse to other parts of the body and causing unwanted side effects.

This active and specific targeting was achieved by binding polymeric micelles to peptides recognized by the surface marker CD32b, specific for liver endothelial cells. In this way, in in vivo models, a reduction in liver fibrosis was achieved without a significant increase in toxicity and, therefore, an effective and safe method to treat chronic liver diseases.

Dr. Abasolo, Director of NANBIOSIS U20 adds “Once that we have demonstrated the effectiveness of the technology to directly reach the sinus endothelial cells, a wide range of possible medications opens up with which we can use this nanotechnology to improve liver function.”

Article of reference:

Optimization of Statin-Loaded Delivery Nanoparticles for Treating Chronic Liver Diseases by Targeting Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells

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Rosa Hernández of the NanoBioCel group-NANBIOSIS U10 has received the Female Talent Award 2023 Women and Science

On Thursday, November 2, the Female Talent Award, in the category of Women and Science, was awarded to Rosa Hernández from the NanoBioCel group of CIBER BBN and the U10 Drug Formulation Unit. The award is given by AMPEA (Association of Professional and Business Women of Alava).

In her award speech, Rosa Hernández, highlighted that the effort and work carried out during all these years has allowed the research group to develop cutting-edge research and to place the names of the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) and Vitoria-Gasteiz on the map of cutting-edge research in Nanotechnology and Regenerative Medicine.

She also stressed that: “awards like this allow society to get to know us, to know what we do in our laboratories and gives us a lot of visibility so that girls and young women begin to have female references in science and will be encouraged to choose, in the future, a scientific career”.

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Impactful research with NANBIOSIS participation in the Poster Tour of CIBER-BBN & CIBEREHD Annual Conference.

2023 CIBER-BBN Annual meeting has taken place at Santemar Hotel, in Santander during November 6-7. This year the format of our annual conferences has been changed towards a collective event scheme between the CIBER-BBN and CIBEREHD thematic areas.

On Monday 6 the scientific sessions werecommon for EHD and BBN, with appealing contents for the mixed audience.

On Tuesday 7 EHD and BBN sessions will specific for each area in separate rooms (with common coffee break).

Posters of both areas were on display in the exhibit hall throughout the entirety of the Annual Meeting.

Moreover, at the “Posters & beers” session (Monday 6th: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.) poster tours were organized where attendees could cast their vote for the best poster and use this one-on-one time with presenters to learn more, ask juicy questions and discuss their work. At 8:00 p.m., the awards ceremony took place for the best oral communication and best poster by young authors – for each area.

It was an impactful information sessions on research carried out by the groups of CIBER-BBN and CIBEREHD thematic areas.

The poster session is always a popular feature at CIBER-BBN Annual Meeting for acknowledgment NANBIOSIS units’ participation in the research carried out during the year. These are the works presented in 2023:

Targeted nanotoxin for the selective depletion of CXCR4+ cancer cells and immune cell recruitment in a colorectal cancer mouse model. Luis Miguel Carrasco-Díaz, Naroa Serna, Eric Voltà-Durán, Ugutz Unzueta, Esther Vázquez, Antonio Villaverde, Patricia Álamo, Lorena Alba-Castellón, Ramón Mangues. With participation of NANBIOSIS Units U1 Protein Production Platform (PPP) and U18 Nanotoxicology Unit . (Contact:
luismiguelcarrascodiaz@gmail.com)

Improvement of the biodistribution of GLA enzyme by RGD-functionalized nanoGLA in a Fabry mouse model.
Zamira Vanessa Diaz Riascos, Marc Moltó Abad, Daniel Marijuan, Belen García Prats, Judit Tomsen Melero, Elisabet González Mira, Jose Luis Corchero, Andreu Soldevila, Miriam Royo, Alba Córdoba, Nora Ventosa, Guillem Pintos Morell, Simo Schwartz , Ibane Abasolo. With participation of the NANBIOSIS units U20 FVPR-In Vivo Experimental Platform, U3 Synthesis of Peptides Unit and U6 Biomaterial Processing and Nanostructuring Unit. (Contact:
vanessa.diaz@vhir.org)

An auristatin-based nanoconjugate induces apoptosis and inhibits the bone marrow leukemia burden in an acute myeloid leukemia mouse model. Annabel Garcia-León, Julián I. Mendoza, Ariana Rueda, Luis Carlos Navas, Vanessa Huaca, Ugutz Unzueta, Jorge Sierra, Esther Vázquez, Antonio Villaverde, Ramon Mangues, Isolda Casanova. With participation of NANBIOSIS Units U1 Protein Production Platform (PPP) and U18 Nanotoxicology Unit. (Contact: agarciale@santpau.cat)

FVPR/U20-NANBIOSIS Service Platform: from the Synthesis and Characterization of Nanotechnology-based Therapies, to the in vitro and in vivo Preclinical Validation. Diana Rafael, Zamira V. Diaz Riascos, Belén García, Alejandra Palacios, Sandra Mancilla, Laura Garcia, Ibane Abasolo. Description of NANBIOSIS Unit 20 FVPR-In Vivo Experimental Platform. (Contact: diana.fernandes_de_so@vhir.org)

Non-Viral Vector Development for Gene Therapy in the Treatment of Congenital Liver Metabolic Diseases Lucía Enríquez Rodríguez, Isabel Carbonell Simón, Idoia Gallego Garrido, Virginia Nieto Romero, Iván Maldonado Pérez, Aida Garcia Torralba, Gustavo Puras Ochoa, Miruna Giurgiu, Jose Carlos Segovia Sanz, María García Bravo, Oscar Quintana Bustamante, José Luis Pedraz Muñoz. With participation of NANBIOSIS U10 Drug Formulation unit. (Contact: lucia.enriquez@ehu.eus)

X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) Analysis of Nitrogen Environment in Small Extracellular Vesicle Membranes: A Potential Novel Technique with Application for Cancer Screening.
Ana Martín-Pardillos, María Sancho-Albero , Silvia Irusta , Víctor Sebastián , Vicente Luis Cebolla , Roberto Pazo-Cid , Pilar Martín-Duque , Jesús Santamaría. With participation of NANBIOSIS U9 Synthesis of Nanoparticles Unit. (Contact: a.martin_pardillos@unizar.es)

Nanoparticle-based approach for blood-brain-barrier crossing and glioblastoma treatment. Júlia German-Cortés, Raquel Herrero, Diana Rafael, Ibane Abasolo, Fernanda Andrade. With participation of NANBIOSIS Unit 20 FVPR-In Vivo Experimental Platform. (Contact: fernanda.silva@vhir.org)

Exploiting mammalian cells for recombinant protein production: an improved protocol for transient gene expression. Aida Carreño Fibla, Roger Fernández Palomeras, José Luis Barra, Rosa Mendoza Moreno, Mercedes Márquez Martínez, Neus Ferrer-Miralles, Antonio Villaverde Corrales, José Luis Corchero Nieto. With participation of NANBIOSIS Units U1 Protein Production Platform (PPP). (Contact:jlcorchero@ciber-bbn.es)

Surface characterization of a PLA/Qr/Mg biocomposite after in vitro degradation in m-SBF. Juan Manuel Casares-López, Margarita Hierro-Oliva, Verónica Luque-Agudo, Amparo M. Gallardo-Moreno, María Luisa González-Martín. With participation of Unit 16 Surface Characterization and Calorimetry Unit (Contact: mlglez@unex.es)

The poster session was an effective forum for the exchange of information and a means to communicate ideas

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NANBIOSIS Researchers Lead the Way in Innovative Nanomedicine Approaches

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DNA nanoparticles to selectively target tumor tissues through precise control of the synergies between transported drugs.

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NANBIOSIS opens in February the 1st competitive open call 2024 for its “Cutting-Edge Biomedical Solutions” and services.