Ateneo - UPO

The course aims to introduce the main strategies and technologies used to optimize the targeted delivery of anticancer drugs, with particular focus on micro- and nano-particulate delivery systems. Students will acquire fundamental theoretical knowledge on the structures, mechanisms, technologies, and applications of advanced drug delivery systems. It begins with the study of microcapsules and microspheres, examining their internal structure, classification criteria, and pharmaceutical applications, especially in controlled release and active ingredient protection. The course then explores drug targeting mechanisms, distinguishing between passive targeting (based on the anatomical and pathological features of tumor tissue), active targeting (mediated by specific interactions between the carrier and biological target), and physical targeting (based on the use of external stimuli such as heat, ultrasound, or magnetic fields). Considerable attention is devoted to the evolution of multiparticulate carriers through first, second, and third-generation systems, each marked by increasing sophistication in recognizing and responding to the tumor microenvironment. The course also covers preparation technologies for micro- and nano-particulate systems, including emulsification, spray drying, coacervation, nanoprecipitation, and controlled synthesis. A central section of the course focuses on nanostructured systems, such as nanoparticles used in drug targeting, imaging, and theranostics. It discusses the properties and pharmaceutical uses of solid lipid nanoparticles, polymeric micelles, and liposomes, including their advantages, limitations, and surface modification strategies. Finally, the course presents the main advanced nanocarriers, including dendrimers, polymersomes, SPIO magnetic nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, quantum dots, and ceramic and carbon-based nanoparticles. For each type, students will analyze physicochemical characteristics, potential applications in cancer treatment, and prospects for integrated therapeutic and diagnostic use.

Paolo Caliceti, Tecnologia farmaceutica, 2025, CEA Casa Editrice Ambrosiana. Aulton ME, Taylor K.M.G. Tecnologie farmaceutiche, 2015 EDRA LSWR. Ansel, HC et al. Principi di calcolo farmaceutico. Quindicesima edizione. 2017 Ed. Edra. Farmacopea Ufficiale Italiana edizione vigente. Farmacopea Europea edizione vigente. Lachman L, Lieberman H, Kanig J. The theory and practice of industrial pharmacy. Ed. Lea & Febiger, USA. Fabris L, Rigamonti S. La fabbricazione industriale dei medicinali. Ed. Esculapio, Bologna.

At the end of the course, students will be able to: Knowledge and understanding Grasp the theoretical principles and fundamental technologies behind the design of drug delivery and targeting systems for anticancer therapies, including microcapsules, microspheres, nanoparticles, and nanostructured systems. Applying knowledge and understanding Use acquired concepts to critically analyze the features, mechanisms, and potential of various drug delivery platforms, particularly those used in oncology. Making judgments Independently evaluate targeting strategies (passive, active, physical) and production techniques, recognizing the strengths and limitations of different approaches. Communication skills Communicate effectively using appropriate scientific and technical language to describe and discuss the characteristics and implications of advanced drug targeting systems. Learning skills Build upon course knowledge to pursue deeper insights, enabling engagement with more advanced studies and innovations in nanomedicine and oncological pharmaceutical technology.

To enroll in the course, the student must be familiar with the content covered in the first-year courses. Access to the final exam is subject to meeting the prerequisite requirements specified in the Academic Regulations (completion of all first-year exams and General pathology)

The course will be delivered primarily through lectures. Several seminars could be held by professionals working in the pharmaceutical industry, who will illustrate the practical application of the theoretical concepts presented. On certain occasions, students will be invited to respond collectively to questions on previously covered topics and to retrieve supplementary educational material from the official websites of AIFA, EMA, and FDA.

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

The exam will be conducted in written and/or oral form. To achieve a final grade, students must demonstrate both a solid understanding and the ability to apply the fundamental concepts covered in the course. Evaluation, expressed on a scale of thirty, will take into account their theoretical and practical comprehension of the topics, their ability to think independently and connect different aspects of the subject, their communication skills and correct use of technical language, and their overall learning capacity.

Microcapsules and microspheres: structure, classification, and pharmaceutical applications Mechanisms of passive, active, and physical targeting; first, second, and third-generation multiparticulate carriers Preparation technologies for microcapsules, microspheres, and nanoparticulate systems Nanoparticles and nanostructured systems, drug targeting, imaging, and anticancer therapy Solid lipid nanoparticles, micelles, and liposomes Dendrimers, polymersomes, SPIO, gold nanoparticles, quantum dots, ceramic and carbon-based nanoparticles

Al termine del corso, le studentesse e gli studenti avranno acquisito una solida comprensione dei sistemi micro- e nano-particellari impiegati per la veicolazione di farmaci antitumorali, comprendendone struttura, classificazione e applicazioni. Saranno in grado di applicare le conoscenze teoriche per analizzare criticamente le strategie di rilascio e direzionamento del farmaco, inclusi i meccanismi passivi, attivi e fisici. Dimostreranno capacità di valutazione autonoma delle potenzialità dei diversi sistemi, considerando aspetti tecnologici, funzionali e terapeutici in ambito oncologico. Svilupperanno competenze comunicative per esporre con chiarezza e rigore scientifico le caratteristiche dei nanovettori e delle relative tecnologie, utilizzando un linguaggio tecnico appropriato. Infine, acquisiranno una capacità di apprendimento che permetterà loro di approfondire autonomamente le evoluzioni future nel campo della nanomedicina e della farmacotecnologia, favorendo l’aggiornamento continuo e l’interdisciplinarità.