DRUG-LIPID INTERPLAY PROBED BY NEUTRON SPECTROSCOPY - AIMING AT LIPOSOME-ENCAPSULATION FOR A CONTROLLED DRUG DELIVERY

Inelastic neutron scattering spectroscopy will be applied to probe the interactions between newly synthesised Pt- and Pd-anticancer agents and membrane-constituent lipids, through INS spectroscopy (which will complement results from Raman, FTIR and QENS) – with the final goal of designing liposome-based formulations for a controlled drug-delivery of metallodrugs.
The data thus gathered will guide the design of liposome-encapsulated cisplatin-like agents, and will allow us to understand the specific interplay between the drug and the membrane, upon encapsulation. This type of knowledge is crucial to tailor drug transport and controlled release, aiming at an improved chemotherapeutic efficacy coupled to lower deleterious side-effects and acquired resistance.