University of Cagliari
PhD Program in Life, Environmental and Drug Sciences
- Role
- Dottorando
- a.pittiu@studenti.unica.it
- Address
- Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, S.S. 554 bivio per Sestu | 09042 Monserrato CA
Curriculum: Drug Sciences
Supervisor: Michele Schlich
Co-Supervisor: Francesco Lai
Curriculum Vitae
Alessio graduated in Pharmacy at the University of Cagliari on July 21st, 2022, with an experimental thesis titled “Production and characterization of dissolving microneedles for vaccine delivery”.
From September 2022 to May 2023, he was awarded a research scholarship focused on the production of lipid nanoparticles through microfluidic mixing. During this period, he obtained his pharmacist license.
From February to December 2024, Alessio continued his previous research with the support of a second scholarship.
In October 2024, he was admitted to the XL Cycle of the PhD Program in Life, Environmental and Drug Sciences (Drug Sciences curriculum) at the University of Cagliari. Under the supervision of Professor Michele Schlich, his research focuses on the production of functionalized lipid nanoparticles through microfluidic mixing for the controlled delivery of chemotherapeutic agents.
Research Topic
Production of functionalized lipid nanoparticles trough microfluidic mixing for the controlled delivery of chemotherapeutic agents
Abstract
Alessio Pittiu's PhD project focuses on the development of stimuli-responsive lipid nanoparticles for cancer therapy, with a particular emphasis on their production via microfluidic mixing. Cancer treatment remains a challenge due to the complex nature of tumors, the toxicity of existing chemotherapeutics, and the poor solubility of many drugs. Nanoparticle formulations offer a solution to these issues, allowing for greater specificity of action and overcoming the low solubility of active pharmaceutical ingredients.
The primary objective is the production of lipid nanoparticle systems (such as liposomes, cubosomes, hexosomes, and extracellular vesicles) that can be activated by chemical-physical stimuli. The functionalization of these nanocarriers, for instance, through molecules with azobenzene groups or photosensitizers, will enable targeted drug release within tumor tissue, enhancing efficacy and reducing systemic side effects.
The methodology centers on microfluidic mixing as the production technique, recognized for its high flow control, reproducibility, and industrial scalability. The impact of key parameters like total flow rate (TFR) and flow rate ratio (FRR) on the physicochemical characteristics of the nanoparticles will be systematically studied. The resulting formulations will be extensively characterized in terms of chemical-physical stability, release studies, and vitro efficacy tests on tumor models. The project aims to develop innovative pharmaceutical formulations and a standardized production method for future commercialization.
Publications