Nucleic Acids and Nanoparticles in Nanomedicine

Our group develops therapeutic and diagnostic nanosystems based on the functionalization of nanoparticles with nucleic acids and drugs. Combining chemistry, nanotechnology, and biomedicine, we work along three main research lines:

1.      Nanotherapies against cancer. We develop gold, SPION, and albumin nanoparticles for the combined delivery of oligonucleotides and chemotherapeutics, using cleavable linkers for controlled intracellular release. Current projects focus on rare cancers.

2.      Nanomedicines for Duchenne muscular dystrophy. We design nanoparticles that selectively deliver therapeutic oligonucleotides and CRISPR components to muscle stem cells, aiming to restore regeneration in dystrophic muscles.

3.      Aptamer development. Our group focuses on the rational design and development of nucleic acid aptamers with high affinity and specificity toward biologically relevant targets. These aptamers are subsequently engineered and integrated into functional platforms for targeted delivery, as well as for biosensing applications.

4.      Nanotechnology-based diagnostics. We develop sensors based on gold nanoparticles and CRISPR/Cas systems for the detection of disease-associated nucleic acids, including microRNAs and tumor-specific mutations in liquid biopsies.

Our interdisciplinary approach aims to advance precision medicine and accelerate the clinical translation of nanotherapeutics.