Abstracts

Please note that this is a live page and abstracts are being added as submissions are being approved and confirmed by the Nanomedicines Symposium selection panel. Please ensure you refer back to this page to keep up to date with new submissions.

Poster Number:

1

Title:
“Design, fabrication, and optimization of mometasone furoate-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers for topical delivery“

Authors:
Promise Ayomide Adekola, Barbara Conway, Adeola Adebisi

Affiliations:
University of Huddersfield, Queensgate, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH, United Kingdom

Summary:
Mometasone furoate (MF) is a lipophilic corticosteroid delivered topically via conventional formulations such as creams and gels but has limited penetration and risk of adverse effects such as skin irritation. This study aimed to design and optimize MF-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) to improve drug penetration, enhance therapeutic efficacy, and provide sustained drug release. MF-NLCs were prepared using hot homogenization and probe sonication with Geleol, Capryol 90, Tween 80, and Transcutol HP. A range of formulations were produced by varying lipid-to-surfactant ratios and evaluated for particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and encapsulation efficiency (EE%). The optimized formulation showed a particle size of 148.93 ± 2.77 nm, PDI < 0.3, zeta potential of −15.77 mV, and EE% > 85%. In vitro release studies indicated sustained release over 24 hours. The developed NLC demonstrated physical stability for up to four weeks at 4 °C and physical instability at room temperature (25 °C). The lipid nanoparticle shows promise for topical delivery of corticosteroids; however, further work is required to assess its suitability for efficient and safe delivery of the drug.

Poster Number:

2

Title:
“Preliminary Development and Biological Evaluation of PolymerThalidomide Conjugates for Anti-Cancer Applications”

Authors:
Ahmed Al-hajmee, Madonna M. A. Mitry, Prof. Helen M.I. Osborn, Prof. Francesca Greco

Affiliations:
Reading School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, RG6 6AD. UK; Dept. of Pharmacy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, AL Shatrah University, Thi-Qar. Iraq; Dept. of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt

Summary:
Inhibition of angiogenesis is a critical strategy in cancer therapy, as it prevents the growth of the new blood vessels that tumours require for metastasis. The present study aims to develop new polymeric conjugates by linking thalidomide (THA) to polyethylene glycol (PEG) to improve the antiangiogenic properties of THA. While THA is recognised for its antiangiogenic effects and potential in cancer therapy, it is limited by poor solubility and notable side effects. The PEG-THA amine conjugates were successfully synthesised and characterised utilising two MWs of PEG (2 and 6 kDa), resulting in a considerable increase in THA loading for the 2 kDa conjugate (12.6 %w/w) compared to the 6 kDa (5.5 %w/w) and high purity in both conjugates (free THA < 0.1%). Under physiological simulations, the conjugates were stable. The conjugate was more stable than the free drug under identical conditions. PEG–THA amine retained 55% at pH 7.4 after 24 hours, whereas the free drug retained only 15%. Angiogenesis suppression was assessed in MCF-7 cells using conjugates. Both conjugates significantly inhibited MCF-7 cell migration by 60%, comparable to the effect of the free drug. Therefore, this study has provided new insights into PEG-THA as a therapeutic agent, specifically regarding its anti-angiogenic properties.

Poster Number:

3

Title:
“Impact of polymer architecture, composition and molecular weight on the circadian rhythmicity of polymer uptake in NIH-3T3 fibroblast cells”

Authors:
Ghaida Almuthri, Cameron Alexander, David W Thomas, Elaine L Ferguson

Affiliations:
Advanced Therapies Group, School of Dentistry, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK; School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK

Summary:
A wide range of polymers are being explored as carriers for the delivery of drugs to intracellular compartments. We have recently showed that internalisation of certain polymers follows a rhythmic pattern that corresponds to the expression of core clock genes, suggesting that there may be an optimum time of day to administer polymer-drug conjugates and other nanomedicines. This study aimed to compare the rhythmic patterns of endocytosis of a range of polymers with different molecular weights, architectures and compositions, to better understand the impact of circadian rhythm on the cellular pharmacokinetics of polymeric carriers. Our results show a size and architecture-dependent rhythmic uptake of polymer Oregon Green conjugates. These findings may help define the best administration time, when their uptake is highest, to enhance nanomedicine efficiency.

Poster Number:

4

Title:
“Controlled release of anti-cancer flavones from cross-linked networks”

Authors:
Mohammed S.H. Alwaezi, Francesca Greco, Helen M.I. Osborn and Wayne Hayes

Affiliations:
Department of Chemistry, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6AD, United Kingdom; School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6AD, United Kingdom

Summary:
This study describes the development of biodegradable crosslinked networks incorporating flavonoids such as quercetin, luteolin, and apigenin, as implantable drug delivery systems. The aim was to improve the chemical stability and therapeutic persistence of the flavonoids and allow sustained release in breast cancer treatment. Networks were synthesised using ester or carbamate (urethane) linkages and characterised using FTIR, 1H, 13C and solid-state NMR, DSC, and TGA. In vitro drug release was evaluated via UV-Vis and HPLC over 288 hours at pH 5.0 and 7.4, with Franz diffusion studies confirming permeation across membranes. Ester-linked networks released more drug than carbamates, particularly under acidic conditions. Cytotoxicity tests using MCF-7 cells demonstrated strong antiproliferative effects after 24 h, especially for apigenin esters (13.7% cell viability). These findings confirm the potential of flavonoid-based networks for tunable and effective tumour-targeted drug delivery.

Poster Number:

5

Title:
“Design of a nanosystems for the encapsulation of poor biopharmaceutical properties drugs”

Authors:
Carreño-Becerra G.; López-Lastra, M; González-Aramundiz, JV

Affiliations:
Escuela de Química y Farmacia, Facultad de Química y de Farmacia, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; Instituto Milenio de Inmunología e Inmunoterapia, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile; Centro de Investigación en Nanotecnología y Materiales Avanzados, CIEN-UC

Summary:
One of the most common limitations in the development of new active molecules is the low solubility, particularly in aqueous media, which often leads to frequently require high doses to achieve a therapeutic effect, increasing the risk of adverse effects and further complicating their clinical application. A clear example is resiquimod, an immunomodulatory molecule with great potential in oncology and immunotherapy. However, it exhibits extremely low solubility in water, making its formulation and delivery particularly challenging. For this reason, the present study aims to overcome this barrier by assembling a nanoscale system capable of modifying the solubility profile of this compound, allowing its administration. During the development of this project, various prototypes of solid lipid nanoparticles were formulated, achieving particle sizes close to 100 nm and positive zeta potential. These nanosystems were designed using lipids that facilitate the incorporation of the active molecule into the lipid matrix. The most promising formulation was further evaluated for its encapsulation performance, demonstrating a high drug loading and encapsulation efficiency. The next phase of this research will explore if this platform can incorporate second molecule with poor biopharmaceutical properties, positioning the system as a co-delivery platform for synergistic drug administration.

Poster Number:

6

Title:
“Design of lipid nanoparticles for messenger RNA therapy by repurposing of ‘lipid-like’ cationic amphiphilic drugs“

Authors:
Debisschop A., Bogaert B., De Smedt S.C. and Raemdonck K

Affiliations:
Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium

Summary:
Encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), mRNA therapeutics have the potential to treat/prevent numerous diseases, with the lung being an increasingly attractive target. Due to the requirement for lifelong treatment of respiratory diseases and growing concerns about the biocompatibility of ionizable lipids, alternatives are being investigated. Recently, our group discovered that cationic amphiphilic drugs (CADs), clinically approved small molecules, can be repurposed as components of lipid-based nanoparticles (CAD-LNPs), (partially) replacing other major components (i.e., cholesterol and ionizable lipids). In this project, a combination therapy was developed by merging CADs and mRNA therapeutics into LNPs for mRNA delivery to the lung. The long-acting β2-agonists (LABAs) and CADs olodaterol and vilanterol were used to (partly) replace the ionizable lipid. CAD-LNPs without ionizable lipid were unable to encapsulate mRNA, whereas the addition of a small fraction of ionizable lipid to CAD-LNPs substantially increased encapsulation efficiency. Administering these so-called spiked CAD-LNPs to bronchial epithelial cells gave rise to improved transfection efficiencies and cell viability relative to unmodified LNPs. Importantly, a complete removal of the CADs during dialysis was revealed without affecting the therapeutic index.

Poster Number:

7

Title:
“Modified Dextran Nanogel for Targeted Doxorubicin Delivery in Liver Cancer Therapy“

Authors:
Fatemeh Farjadian, Amin Raeisi, Banafsheh Rastegari, Soliman Mohammadi-Samani

Affiliations:
Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences and Technology Research Center , School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

Summary:
A key obstacle to the efficacy of cancer drugs is safely delivering them to the target site of the disease. Recent advances in nanomedicine have introduced smart nanogels as a promising, efficient, and safe drug delivery system that responds to stimuli. In this study, a bio-safe, pH-sensitive nanogel made of polyaminoethyl methacrylamide grafted dextran (NG) was used to deliver doxorubicin (DOX) to the liver. Sodium lactobionate was conjugated to the NG to serve as a targeting agent, and DOX was also conjugated via a Schiff base linkage. The synthesized structure was analyzed using spectroscopic techniques such as proton nuclear magnetic resonance, and Fourier transform infrared. The sizes and molecular weight was determined by size exclusion chromatography, and dynamic light scattering. Also transmission electron microscopy was recruited for size determination. DOX release was confirmed through ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and a pH responsiveness behavior of DOX release profile was observed in a simulated medium with pH changes. In vitro toxicity assessment was performed using HepG2 and L929 cell lines which indicates that the NG structure is biocompatible and demonstrates significant cytotoxicity toward hepatocyte cells due to sodium lactobionate acting as a ligand that targets the asialoglycoprotein receptor.

Poster Number:

8

Title:
“Repurposing Sevelamer as an Antidote in Lead Acute Poisoning: In Vivo Assessment “

Authors:
Fatemeh Farjadian, Azin Amiri, Reza Heidari, Negar Firouzabadi

Affiliations:
Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

Summary:
Lead poisoning is a pervasive global issue. It has significant adverse health effects. These effects are particularly severe among children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illnesses. In this study, Sevelamer is repurposed as a potent antidote in lead poisoning. The study involved inducing acute lead toxicity in animal models and subsequently treating them with varying concentrations of sevelamer. Findings demonstrated that 14 days of sevelamer administration significantly reduced lead-induced toxicity in liver and reduced renal enzyme levels, and decreased lead accumulation in the liver, kidneys, and blood serum.

Poster Number:

9

Title:
“In vitro biological evaluation of polymyxin B-loaded polyion complex nanoparticles”

Authors:
Daisy Biglands, Esther Gimblett, Alexander Antropenko, Francisco Fernandez-Trillo, Elaine L. Ferguson

Affiliations:
Advanced Therapies Group, School of Dentistry, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK; School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK; BioInspired NanoChemistry Lab, Universidade da Coruna, A Coruña, Spain

Summary:
Nanoparticles have emerged as a potential solution to overcome antimicrobial resistance (AMR), due to their ability to enhance drug concentration at the site of infection while avoiding systemic exposure. However, slow, uncontrolled drug release from conventional nanoparticle formulations restricts their therapeutic efficacy. Recently, Fernandez-Trillo described the preparation and characterisation of polyion complex nanoparticles (PIC NPs) containing last resort antimicrobial, polymyxin B. This study aimed to test the selective antibiotic activity of PIC-NPs in the presence of elastase-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains and assess whether encapsulation in PIC NPs can reduce cytotoxicity of the antibiotic. Although our results indicate that PIC NPs are unstable in culture media, there was a modest improvement in antimicrobial activity when polymyxin B was encapsulated in PIC NPs. The fact that the polypeptide, AA14-P, was non-toxic towards a human kidney cell line demonstrates that further tailoring of PIC NP composition is warranted and highlights its potential as a polymeric carrier in future studies.

Poster Number:

10

Title:
“Targeted Delivery of Meropenem Using Cationic Liposomes to Address Gram-Negative Antimicrobial Resistance“

Authors:
Maryam Heydaria, Dr Shuguang Zhang, Dr Nishkantha Arulkumaran

Affiliations:
Division of Medicine, University College London, London, WC1E 6AE

Summary:
Antimicrobial resistance in Gram-negative bacteria, especially to carbapenems like meropenem, is a major threat driven by carbapenemase production. Nanomedicine delivery systems such as cationic liposomes can enhance antibiotic efficacy. This study developed and evaluated cationic liposomal meropenem formulations using thin-film evaporation, assessing physicochemical properties by dynamic light scattering and HPLC, bacterial binding by flow cytometry, and in vitro efficacy by microdilution assays. Liposomes with 30% DOTAP showed rapid bacterial binding and up to two-fold improved efficacy over free meropenem in some strains. However, efficacy against highly resistant isolates remained comparable to free meropenem. This study demonstrated that cationic liposomes can enhance delivery to susceptible Gram-negative bacteria, but further work is needed to improve drug encapsulation and test in vivo.

Poster Number:

11

Title:
“Sulfonated Nanotubes for Local Drug Delivery to the Glioblastoma Resection Cavity“

Authors:
Sophie K. Hill, Benjamin Newland

Affiliations:
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3NB, United Kingdom

Summary:
Materials with elongated morphologies and nanodimensional features offer key advantages for local drug delivery, including high surface-area-to volume ratios and sustained release potential. This work explores a delivery platform composed of polymer-templated nanotubes, fabricated via UV photopolymerisation from 3-sulfopropyl acrylate and PEGDA. These nanotubes—microns in length with nanoscale diameters—are functionalised with sulfonate groups to enable affinity-based loading of repurposed cationic therapeutics such as acriflavine and doxorubicin. Designed for direct injection into the glioblastoma resection cavity, the system addresses limitations of conventional local therapies like Gliadel wafers, which suffer from stiffness, poor conformability, and adverse effects. By enabling the codelivery of mechanistically distinct drugs, the platform also aims to overcome challenges of tumour heterogeneity and therapeutic resistance, while minimising systemic exposure. Fabrication methods, loading and release behaviour, and in vitro performance in glioblastoma and astrocyte models are investigated to evaluate the potential of the nanotubes as a minimally invasive, localised treatment strategy for aggressive brain tumours.

Poster Number:

12

Title:
“Immediate Plasma Membrane Ruffling in HER2 Breast Cancer Cells Incubated with Trastuzumab Decorated Polymer Nanoparticles“

Authors:
Carwyn S. Hughes, Saeed Tayeb, Duncan Muir, Peter Watson, Arwyn T. Jones

Affiliations:
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 24381, Saudi Arabia; School of Earth Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK; School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK

Summary:
Discoveries regarding the role of the HER2-receptor in breast and other cancers led to the development of HER2 targeting therapeutics such as trastuzumab. Despite this, drug resistance and relapse remain a significant problem, driving the need for more effective treatments. Nanoparticles (NPs) could address this challenge as they can be functionalized to target HER2 whilst simultaneously delivering a broad range of therapeutics, selectively into HER2 positive cells. Our studies focus on investigating in detail the binding, uptake, and endocytic traffic of drug delivery vectors such as NPs. Here using Poly(lactic-co-glycolide) acid NPs decorated with trastuzumab we have developed resonant-scanning confocal microscopy techniques to study the immediate impact of our NPs on the plasma membrane of HER2+ breast cancer cells. This very early window is often overlooked and we show, within 10-minutes of NP-cell interactions, extensive plasma membrane rearrangement manifesting as ruffles across the cell surface; confirmed using scanning electron microscopy. This preceded endocytosis, that we propose is via macropinocytosis, and delivery to endosomes and lysosomes. We have also identified the relationship between antibody valency and the functional capability of our NPs to facilitate the delivery of doxorubicin. This knowledge could lead to the design of new, more effective targeted nanotherapeutics.

Poster Number:

13

Title:
“Lysosomotropic peptides improve the cytosolic siRNA delivery of cholesterol conjugates and lipid nanoparticles“

Authors:
Lambrechts E., Muntean C., Cadoni E., Madder A., Lentacker I., Remaut K. and Raemdonck K.

Affiliations:
Laboratory for General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Organic and Biomimetic Chemistry Research Group, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium

Summary:
To enable intracellular siRNA delivery, it is encapsulated in nanoscale carriers or modified as GalNac-siRNA conjugates. Despite extensive optimization, intracellular delivery remains a major limitation. Due to ineffective endosomal escape, after endocytosis by the cell, these formulations are trafficked to lysosomes, where they get degraded. It is therefore of interest to find strategies to improve cytosolic siRNA delivery by modulating the endolysosomal compartment. Lysosomotropic dipeptide esters accumulate inside the lysosomes where they are processed by the enzyme cathepsin C, leading to transient lysosomal membrane permeabilization. In this project, the effect of various lysosomotropic peptides on siRNA-mediated gene silencing was evaluated. L-leucyl-L-leucine methyl ester (LLOMe) enhanced gene knockdown of cholesterol-siRNA conjugates (chol-siRNA) and lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). On the other hand, a clear correlation between gene silencing efficiency and cytotoxicity was observed among the various peptides, with increased gene silencing activity associated with higher cytotoxic effects. A small screen of peptides provided insights in their structure-activity relationship. Altogether, lysosomotropic peptides are promising compounds to improve intracellular siRNA delivery, albeit with the need to control cellular toxicity.

Poster Number:

14

Title:
“Microfluidic Optimisation of Poly(amidoamine) Nanoparticle Cores for Core/Shell Nanocarrier Development”

Authors:
Corentin Seiler, Nathalie Lavignac

Affiliations:
Université de Strasbourg, France, University of Suffolk, United Kingdom

Summary:
Poly(amidoamine)s (PAAs) are bioresponsive polymers used for nucleic acid and protein delivery. This study reports the microfluidic optimisation of ISA-23-based nanoparticles as core structures for subsequent lipid shell coating. Previous approaches relied on bulk mixing, which lacked homogeneity, reproducibility and scalability. Using a microfluidic setup with controlled flow rates and chip geometries, ISA-23 nanoparticles were reproducibly formed by ionic gelation with tripolyphosphate, achieving particle sizes near 200-300 nm with zeta potentials suitable for lipid adhesion. Turbidity profiling enabled rapid optimisation, and microfluidic mixing improved uniformity and scalability. These core particles represent a critical intermediate for the production of core/shell lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPHNs), facilitating cytosolic drug delivery via endosomal escape. This work highlights the microfluidic method as a robust and tunable platform for nanocarrier manufacture, with potential to standardise LPHN production. Future directions include lipid-coating optimisation for complete LPHN systems and in vitro evaluation.

Poster Number:

15

Title:
“Magnetic nanoparticle delivery of cysteine-tagged nitroreductase for enzyme-prodrug cancer therapy”

Authors:
Jessica Mahajan, Kimberley A. Bennett, Christopher D. Gwenin

Affiliations:
Abertay University, Dundee, Scotland

Summary:
Conventional cancer therapies lack specificity, often killing both healthy and cancer cells simultaneously. A targeted oncolytic treatment strategy, such as magnetic nanoparticle-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (MNDEPT), offers a promising alternative. Guided by an external magnetic field, gold-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (AuSPIONs) can be directed to tumour sites, where they convert a non-toxic prodrug (CB1954) into its cytotoxic metabolites. This project investigates a nanosystem comprising AuSPIONs conjugated to a genetically engineered cancer prodrugactivating enzyme – cysteine-tagged nitroreductase (cys-NTR, from two bacterial sources). SPIONs (15-30 nm) were coated with gold using HAuCl₄.3H₂O and NH₂OH.HCl and characterised using UV-visible spectroscopy, TEM, EDX, and DLS. The enzymes were expressed using lactose, then purified, desalted and analysed using SDS-PAGE. The enzyme’s activities (20 µg/mL) were assessed with CB1954 utilising NADH as a co-factor. Citratestabilised, negatively charged spherical AuSPIONs (68.90 ± 9.54 nm (n=8)) were successfully synthesised. SDS-PAGE confirmed the expression of purified cys-NTR (25 kDa). The unconjugated enzymes exhibited the desired catalytic activity with CB1954. Future work will assess the enzymes’ activity postconjugation to AuSPIONs and, eventually, the nanosystem’s tumour-killing potential in the ovarian cancer cell line (SKOV-3).

Poster Number:

16

Title:
“Theranostic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles in Magnetic Robot Assisted Oxaliplatin Release for Cancer Therapy”

Authors:
Masome Moeni, Robert Menzel, Milene Volpato and Ali Hanssanpour

Affiliations:
School of Chemical and Process Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Science, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK; School of Chemistry, University of Leeds, Faculty of Engineering and Physical science, LS2 9JT, UK; Leeds Institute of Medical Research, St James University Hospital, University of Leeds, LS9 7TF, UK

Summary:
Oxaliplatin (OXA) remains clinically limited due to poor stability, non-specific distribution, and high toxicity. This study presents a novel iron oxide nanoparticle (IONP) for magnetic robotic platform (MRP) assisted delivery of OXA in tumour simulated environment. IONPs were synthesised and functionalised with SiO₂, NH₂ groups, and folic acid (FA) to enable pH-responsive release and targeting via folate receptor (FOLR1) overexpression in CaCo2 and SW48 cells. Characterisation confirmed the formation of mesoporous, superparamagnetic nanoparticles with improved dispersibility. FA conjugation enhanced OXA loading by ~29.7% versus controls by ~10.3%, also showed T2 weighted MRI contrast capabilities. MRP assisted OXA release under simulated tumour conditions, showed sustained, pHdependent behaviour. Theranostic FOLR1 targeted IONPs demonstrates promising potential for site-specific, MRP controlled chemotherapeutic delivery in colorectal cancer, supporting further in vivo evaluation.

Poster Number:

17

Title:
“Nanoparticle Mediated Targeting and Delivery of Biotherapeutics to Cancer Cells”

Authors:
Nourhan Mohammed, Carwyn Hughes, Liyan Chen, Peter Watson, Niek Buurma, Arwyn T. Jones

Affiliations:
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK; Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Egypt; School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK; School of Chemistry, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK

Summary:
Breast cancer is a major health-burden, representing the world’s most prevalent cancer. Despite significant therapeutic advances in breast cancer treatment, new therapies are needed with higher specificity and capacity to address resistance to present therapies. Gene therapy targeting breast and other cancers has significant potential, especially using lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) as delivery vectors for mRNA. We have developed LNPs encapsulating CY5-mRNA encoding eGFP allowing us to monitor the cellular delivery of LNPs to their intracellular targets in breast cancer cells and used fluorescence microscopy analysis to assess transfection efficiency. LNPs are composed of a mixture of cationic ionizable lipid, helper lipids and PEGylated sheath lipid allowing mRNA encapsulation. Physicochemical characterisation of the LNPs revealed them as having average particle size 120nm, zeta-potential -22mV giving encapsulation efficiency >90% for eGFP-mRNA. Live cell confocal imaging performed on the mRNA LNPs treated cells for different time intervals found that these LNPs have high transfection efficiency on both HER2+ BT474 breast cancer and normal breast MCF10A cell lines. Evidence of eGFP expression is seen after 5-hours incubation with prominent Cy5 fluorescence in vesicular endolysosomal structures that require further characterisation. These studies pave the way for future analysis employing novel formulations and clinically relevant mRNA

Poster Number:

18

Title:
“Liposomal NSC59984: A promising strategy to target mutant p53 in metastatic prostate cancer“

Authors:
Raditya W. Nugraheni, Adam Moore, Wafa T. Al-Jamal

Affiliations:
School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, United Kingdom

Summary:
NSC59984 restores p53 function by activating p73 and promoting the degradation of mutant p53. This study aimed to develop SC59984-loaded liposomes and evaluate their effectiveness in advanced and metastatic prostate cancer. NSC59984 was encapsulated in liposomes using the thin-film hydration method with remote loading via pH gradient. Our liposomal NSC59984 demonstrated stable particle size and acceptable encapsulation efficiency for in vitro testing in both 3D spheroid models. A range of mutant p53-expressing cell lines responded to free and liposomal NSC59984 in a time and dose-dependent manner in 3D models.

Poster Number:

19

Title:
“Extracellular Vesicles in Immunomodulation: Bridging Inflammatory Pathways and Regenerative Strategies”

Authors:
Ritu Raj, Sam Hulme, Ivana Milic, Andrew Devitt

Affiliations:
School of Biosciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK; Aston Institute for Membrane Excellence, Aston University, Birmingham, UK

Summary:
The inflammatory response consists of an innate system of cellular and humoral responses following injury in which the body attempts to restore the tissue to its preinjury state. Lipoxins were the first mediators recognized to have dual anti-inflammatory and pro-resolution activities. Lipoxins are biosynthesized by the sequential actions of lipoxygenase(s) (LOX) and other enzymes to produce bioactive structures. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are essential cellular messengers playing a crucial role in regulation of inflammation and tissue repair. EVs carrying immunomodulating enzymes (Active EVs) are potential therapeutics for chronic wounds.

Poster Number:

20

Title:
“Multimodal 3D Characterisation of Complex Polymeric Particles using SRS and XPS”

Authors:
Vasundhara Tyagi, , Amr ElSherbeny, Ali al-khattawi, Ian Armstrong, Dimitrios Tsikritsis, Ryan Coones, Natalie Belsey, Yiwen Pei

Affiliations:
National Physical Laboratory, Hampton Rd, Teddington TW11 0LW, UK; School of Pharmacy, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK; School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, UK

Summary:
This work presents advancements in method development by combining Xray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS) microscopy for 3D visualisation and quantitative depth profiling of complex polymer particles such as drug carriers. Specifically, SRS imaging of submicron polystyrene particles was used to verify the spatial resolution and 3D reconstruction protocol, together with finding from argon cluster sputtering-assisted XPS analysis using multicomponent nanoparticles PTFE/PMMA. The methodology sets the foundation for advanced 3D characterisation of complex therapeutics, offering access to key material attributes closely link to their performance such as drug release profile.

Poster Number:

21

Title:
“Dual-Drug Loaded Hollow Calcium Carbonate Nanoparticles for Enhanced Multimodal Tumour Therapy”

Authors:
Hongdi Wang, Haoyu Wei, Jin Li, Jian Zhou

Affiliations:
Cardiff School of Engineering, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 3AA, UK; College of Material, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China

Summary:
Multimodal cancer therapies that integrate gas and photodynamic approaches hold significant promise but are often limited by low drug loading rates, short treatment durations, and suboptimal overall therapeutic efficacy. Here, we developed hollow calcium carbonate nanoparticles via a one-pot gas-diffusion approach, employing rational selection and concentration tuning of amino acid additives to regulate particle formation. Notably, by utilising L-arginine as a regulating agent, we produced nanoparticles with a significant specific surface area of 197.96 m²/g. Subsequent PEGylated/liposomal surface modification endowed the nanoparticles with excellent biocompatibility and an impressive drug loading capacity of up to 28.8% and 26.9% for the nitric oxide donor L-arginine and the photosensitizer indocyanine green (ICG), respectively. The resulting drug loaded hollow amorphous calcium carbonate nanoparticles (PCAI NPs) have shown effective synergistic treatment against tumours through multimodal therapy methods, including photodynamic therapy, nitric oxide gas therapy, and calcium overload-induced totoxicity.

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