Curriculum: Drug Sciences

Supervisor: Carla Caddeo

Co-Supervisor: Carlo Ignazio Giovanni Tuberoso

Curriculum Vitae

Simone graduated in Pharmacy at the University of Cagliari on October 28 th 2021 with an experimental thesis entitled “Formulation and biological activity of a genetically selected pepper extract”. After his graduation, from March 2022 to August 2022 he did a postgraduate internship and then got his pharmacist license. After that on October 2022, he was granted a PNRR scholarship (M.D. No. 352 of 9.4.2022 CUP F22B22000540005) to join the XXXVIII Cycle of PhD program in Life, Environment and Drug Sciences (Drug Sciences Curriculum) offered by MUR and Bioinnova S.r.l.s for Innovative PhD programmes that address the innovation needs of enterprises and promote the employment of researchers by companies. Under the supervision of Professor Carla Caddeo, he is studying application of nanotechnology to improve the use of natural compounds in therapy.

Research Topic

Application of nanotechnology to improve the use of natural compounds in therapy

Abstract

Simone Pani's research project aims to apply nanotechnologies to enhance the therapeutic use of natural compounds. These compounds possess numerous pharmacological properties (e.g., anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antitumor), but their poor aqueous solubility and reduced bioavailability limit their efficacy in traditional formulations.

The objective is to overcome these limitations by developing nanoparticulate formulations, specifically liposomes. Liposomes are highly biocompatible phospholipid vesicles capable of physically encapsulating active ingredients, protecting them from degradation, and enabling targeted delivery with preferential release at the target site, thereby improving efficacy and reducing potential toxic effects. The natural extracts for this project will be obtained from industrial waste and biomass, also contributing to the valorization of these by-products.

The methodology involves preparing liposomal formulations by sonication without organic solvents. These nanocarriers will then be physicochemically characterized (average size, surface charge, morphology) using techniques such as dynamic light scattering, electron microscopy, and X-ray scattering. The encapsulation efficiency will be determined, and their stability in biological fluids and long-term stability will be evaluated. Finally, their bioactive potential and superiority over conventional formulations will be verified through in vitro assays on relevant cell lines.

This study seeks to consolidate the superiority of nanoformulations, laying the groundwork for the development of more targeted, sustainable, and effective alternative therapies, while also valorizing plant matrices.

Publications

IRIS: https://iris.unica.it/cris/rp/rp57032

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0000-7068-2164