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Research Project
Institute of <biophysics and Biomedical Engineering
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Publications
Nanogold-based materials in medicine: from their origins to their future
Publication . Ferreira-Gonçalves, Tânia; Ferreira, David; Ferreira, Hugo A; Reis, Catarina Pinto
The properties of gold-based materials have been explored for centuries in several research fields, including medicine. Multiple published production methods for gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have shown that the physicochemical and optical properties of AuNPs depend on the production method used. These different AuNP properties have allowed exploration of their usefulness in countless distinct biomedical applications over the last few years. Here we present an extensive overview of the most commonly used AuNP production methods, the resulting distinct properties of the AuNPs and the potential application of these AuNPs in diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in biomedicine.
Experimental Murine Models for Colorectal Cancer Research
Publication . Neto, Íris; Rocha, Joao; Gaspar, Maria Manuela; Reis, Catarina
Simple Summary
In its early stages, colorectal cancer (CRC) is a localized tumor, but when it metastasizes, it has dramatic consequences. Murine models in CRC research are important tools for advancing the knowledge in diagnostic and treatment of this pathology. The present review aims to provide a variety of murine models in CRC research describing their particular advantages and drawbacks.
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most prevalent malignancy worldwide and in both sexes. Numerous animal models for CRC have been established to study its biology, namely carcinogen-induced models (CIMs) and genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs). CIMs are valuable for assessing colitis-related carcinogenesis and studying chemoprevention. On the other hand, CRC GEMMs have proven to be useful for evaluating the tumor microenvironment and systemic immune responses, which have contributed to the discovery of novel therapeutic approaches. Although metastatic disease can be induced by orthotopic injection of CRC cell lines, the resulting models are not representative of the full genetic diversity of the disease due to the limited number of cell lines suitable for this purpose. On the other hand, patient-derived xenografts (PDX) are the most reliable for preclinical drug development due to their ability to retain pathological and molecular characteristics. In this review, the authors discuss the various murine CRC models with a focus on their clinical relevance, benefits, and drawbacks. From all models discussed, murine CRC models will continue to be an important tool in advancing our understanding and treatment of this disease, but additional research is required to find a model that can correctly reflect the pathophysiology of CRC.
The Role of Rosmarinic Acid on the Bioproduction of Gold Nanoparticles as Part of a Photothermal Approach for Breast Cancer Treatment
Publication . Ferreira-Gonçalves, Tânia; Gaspar, Maria Manuela; Coelho, João M. P.; Marques, Vanda; Viana, Ana S.; Ascensão, Lia; Carvalho, Lina; Rodrigues, Cecília M. P.; Ferreira, Hugo Alexandre; Alves Ferreira, David; Reis, Catarina Pinto
Breast cancer is a high-burden malignancy for society, whose impact boosts a continuous search for novel diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Among the recent therapeutic approaches, photothermal therapy (PTT), which causes tumor cell death by hyperthermia after being irradiated with a light source, represents a high-potential strategy. Furthermore, the effectiveness of PTT can be improved by combining near infrared (NIR) irradiation with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as photothermal enhancers. Herein, an alternative synthetic method using rosmarinic acid (RA) for synthesizing AuNPs is reported. The RA concentration was varied and its impact on the AuNPs physicochemical and optical features was assessed. Results showed that RA concentration plays an active role on AuNPs features, allowing the optimization of mean size and maximum absorbance peak. Moreover, the synthetic method explored here allowed us to obtain negatively charged AuNPs with sizes favoring the local particle accumulation at tumor site and maximum absorbance peaks within the NIR region. In addition, AuNPs were safe both in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, the synthesized AuNPs present favorable properties to be applied as part of a PTT system combining AuNPs with a NIR laser for the treatment of breast cancer.
Proof-of-Concept Study of Multifunctional Hybrid Nanoparticle System Combined with NIR Laser Irradiation for the Treatment of Melanoma
Publication . Lopes, Joana; Ferreira-Gonçalves, Tânia; Figueiredo, Isabel V.; Rodrigues, Cecília M. P.; Ferreira, Hugo; Ferreira, David; Viana, Ana S.; Faísca, Pedro; Gaspar, Maria Manuela; Coelho, João M. P.; Silva, Catarina Oliveira; Reis, Catarina Pinto
The global impact of cancer emphasizes the importance of developing innovative, effective and minimally invasive therapies. In the context of superficial cancers, the development of a multifunctional nanoparticle-based system and its in vitro and in vivo safety and efficacy characterization are, herein, proposed as a proof-of-concept. This multifunctional system consists of gold nanoparticles coated with hyaluronic and oleic acids, and functionalized with epidermal growth factor for greater specificity towards cutaneous melanoma cells. This nanoparticle system is activated by a near-infrared laser. The characterization of this nanoparticle system included several phases, with in vitro assays being firstly performed to assess the safety of gold nanoparticles without laser irradiation. Then, hairless immunocompromised mice were selected for a xenograft model upon inoculation of A375 human melanoma cells. Treatment with near-infrared laser irradiation for five minutes combined with in situ administration of the nanoparticles showed a tumor volume reduction of approximately 80% and, in some cases, led to the formation of several necrotic foci, observed histologically. No significant skin erythema at the irradiation zone was verified, nor other harmful effects on the excised organs. In conclusion, these assays suggest that this system is safe and shows promising results for the treatment of superficial melanoma.
The Role of Rosmarinic Acid on the Bioproduction of Gold Nanoparticles as Part of a Photothermal Approach for Breast Cancer Treatment
Publication . Ferreira-Gonçalves, Tânia; Gaspar, Maria Manuela; Coelho, João M. P.; Marques, Vanda; Viana, Ana S.; Ascensão, Lia; Carvalho, Lina; Rodrigues, Cecília M. P.; Ferreira, Hugo Alexandre; Ferreira, David; Reis, Catarina Pinto
Breast cancer is a high-burden malignancy for society, whose impact boosts a continuous search for novel diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Among the recent therapeutic approaches, photothermal therapy (PTT), which causes tumor cell death by hyperthermia after being irradiated with a light source, represents a high-potential strategy. Furthermore, the effectiveness of PTT can be improved by combining near infrared (NIR) irradiation with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as photothermal enhancers. Herein, an alternative synthetic method using rosmarinic acid (RA) for synthesizing AuNPs is reported. The RA concentration was varied and its impact on the AuNPs physicochemical and optical features was assessed. Results showed that RA concentration plays an active role on AuNPs features, allowing the optimization of mean size and maximum absorbance peak. Moreover, the synthetic method explored here allowed us to obtain negatively charged AuNPs with sizes favoring the local particle accumulation at tumor site and maximum absorbance peaks within the NIR region. In addition, AuNPs were safe both in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, the synthesized AuNPs present favorable properties to be applied as part of a PTT system combining AuNPs with a NIR laser for the treatment of breast cancer.
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Funding agency
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Funding programme
6817 - DCRRNI ID
Funding Award Number
UIDB/00645/2020