Lighting the future of nanomedicine by photoactive nano-formulations.

Nanotechnology is transforming medical research by enabling innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies with higher efficacy and reduced invasiveness compared to conventional macromedicine. Within this context, photo-based nanomedicine leverages photoactive nano-agents capable of converting light into heat, luminescence, or reactive species, offering precise, minimally invasive treatments and controlled drug release [1]. Inorganic nanoparticles—such as metals, semiconductors, carbon, or oxides—stand out for their unique physico-chemical properties and are widely employed in bio-imaging, bio-labelling and phototherapies such as photothermal therapy [2]. Their integration into lipid, polymeric, or mesoporous silica-based nanocarriers, alone or with drugs, allows the development of multifunctional platforms [3]. Functionalization with antibodies or ligands further enhances their targeting and therapeutic efficiency.
Selected aspects of the interplay between light and nanomedicine will be addressed, presenting representative photoactive nano-formulations developed for the diagnosis and treatment of severe diseases, including gastrointestinal cancers and liver diseases. Emphasis will be placed on luminescent liposomes and photothermal silica- or polymer-based nanocarriers with clinical potential. These advanced nanoplatforms offer promising prospects for targeted imaging and therapy, paving the way for more effective and minimally invasive treatment strategies.

References

[1]. J. U Menon et al. Theranostics, 2013; 3(3), 152-166.
[2]. N. Depalo et al. J. Mater. Chem. B, 2020,8, 1823-1840
[3]. E. Fanizza et al. Nanomaterials, 2022, 12(15), 2545

Nicoletta Depalo is a permanent research scientist at CNR-IPCF SS Bari. She holds a degree in Chemistry (2002) and a Ph.D. in Chemistry of Innovative Materials (2007), both from the University of Bari. Since 2008, she has developed extensive experience in the design and synthesis of hybrid multifunctional nanoplatforms for biomedical applications. Her research focuses on the design and development of targeted organic and inorganic nanocarriers for use in nanomedicine. Her interests also include the study of extracellular nanovesicles—particularly exosomes—for diagnostic purposes and their manipulation as physiological nanocarriers for therapeutic applications. She currently leads the nanomedicine research line at CNR-IPCF SS Bari, supported by several funded projects for which she serves as the scientific coordinator for CNR-IPCF.