Nationality: Italian
Background: In 2025, I obtained my Master’s Degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology from the University of Calabria. My thesis project allowed me to develop hands-on experience in the design and synthesis of nanomaterials for therapeutic applications, at the boundary between organic chemistry and materials science. I spent a semester abroad at University College Cork (Ireland), strengthening my desire to pursue a career in an international research environment. I also worked as an Organic Chemistry tutor, supporting undergraduate teaching.
My research interests: Organic and analytical chemistry, polymer science and smart materials for therapeutics and diagnostics, innovative technologies for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications.
My PhD goals:To design, synthesise and characterise novel affinity polymers for the selective capture and enrichment of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) biomarkers from complex biological matrices. Through the MIPrecise programme, I aim to deepen my knowledge of advanced polymeric materials for healthcare applications and broaden my scientific perspective through interdisciplinary and international research experiences.
My hobbies: Gym, baking, traveling
My project in MIPrecise: Affinity polymers for biomarker and plasma enrichment
Master thesis: Design and Synthesis of Mesoporous Silica-Based Nanosystems Functionalized with Small Molecules and Peptides for Targeted Mebendazole Delivery in Oncology Drug Repurposing
Conventional cancer treatments are frequently limited by poor selectivity, significant systemic side effects, and acquired resistance, prompting the need for novel therapeutic approaches. Drug repurposing has emerged as a promising strategy, offering advantages in safety and reduced development costs. Among candidates, the anthelmintic mebendazole (MBZ) has shown well-documented cytotoxicity against cancer cells; however, its poor pharmacokinetic properties severely restrict its clinical translation.
To overcome these limitations, my MSc project focused on developing mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) for the selective delivery of MBZ, aiming to minimize off-target effects on healthy tissues while enhancing its cytotoxic activity against cancer cells. MSNs represent a highly versatile drug delivery platform due to their high surface area, significant loading capacity, and ease of functionalization with specific ligands to achieve controlled drug release. Two distinct targeted nanosystems were engineered: FOL-MSN-MBZ, functionalized with folic acid to target the folate receptor alpha (FRα), highly expressed in breast carcinoma and other tumours, and RGD-MSN-MBZ, functionalized with the RGD peptide to target the αvβ3 integrin receptor, present at variable levels in several cancer types.
Both prototypes demonstrated enhanced drug solubility, effective controlled release, and successful delivery to target cancer cells, confirming the efficiency of the active targeting strategies and a reduced toxicity toward non-tumoral tissues. This integrated approach highlights the strong potential of combining drug repurposing and nanotechnology to expand therapeutic options for cancer treatment.