Cycle / Years
40th cycle [2024-2027]
Contacts
Supervisor(s)
Dr. Alessandro Pratesi and Prof. Chiara Gabbiani
Title of the PhD project
Unveiling the potential of metal-based complexes: from synthesis to mechanistic exploration and theranostic breakthroughs in cancer therapy
Abstract of the PhD project
Platinum complexes have been used as anticancer drugs since the discovery of cisplatin’s activity back in the 1960s. Despite their effectiveness in damaging the nuclear DNA double-strand, by promoting the irreversible apoptotic process, one of the main drawbacks associated with platinum-based chemotherapeutic agents is their low selectivity towards cancer cells. These challenges have driven the scientific community to search for new cytotoxic compounds with enhanced therapeutic efficacy and reduced side effects. In this regard, my PhD project aims to design, synthesize, characterize and evaluate the biological activity of a series of next-generation Pt complexes capable of combining therapeutic action with real-time imaging potential. This theranostic approach would allow monitoring of drug distribution and tumor response during treatments but, also, a better understanding of the mechanism of action. New administration routes could be investigated to enable a targeted release of the anticancer agents and increase their bioavailability.
Academic Fields and Disciplines (SSD), main and secondary
General and Inorganic Chemistry- CHEM-03/A, Bioinorganic Chemistry
Educational and third mission activities
Tutor for General and Inorganic Chemistry, Department of Agricultural, Food and Agri-Environmental Sciences, September-December 2024.
International
Erasmus Traineeship, CY Cergy Paris University, 04/09/2023 – 02/12/2023, France.
Publications
• G.Bresciani, M.Bortoluzzi, C.Ghelarducci, F.Marchetti, G.Pampaloni, Synthesis of α alkylidene cyclic carbonates via CO2 fixation under ambient conditions promoted by an easily available silver carbamate, New J. Chem., 2021, 45, 4340-4346.
Oral communications at conferences
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Poster communications at conferences
• C. Ghelarducci, F. Binacchi, O. Monasson, E. Peroni, A. Pratesi, C. Gabbiani, Synthesis and characterization of new Pt(II) complexes linked with peptide sequences with the aim of using the bioconjugates in targeted anticancer therapies, Chemistry for the Future, Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, 03-05 July 2024.
Other achievements
Professional Qualification as Chemist- State Examination, University of Pisa, November 2024.
Funding
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