Nanotechnology has enabled unprecedented control of the interactions between materials and biological
entities, from the microscale down to the molecular level. For example, nanosurfaces and nanostructures
have been used to mimic or interact with biological microenvironments, to support specific biological
functions such as cell adhesion, mobility and differentiation, as well as tissue healing.
Recently, a new paradigm has been proposed for nanomedicine to exploit the intrinsic properties of
nanomaterials as active devices rather than as passive structural units or carriers for medications. In this
view, the nanomaterial itself is the active device that responds to external stimuli by modifying its intrinsic
chemical and/or physical characteristics, so as to provide useful bio-stimulation and/or bio-signaling.1
Our research approach falls into this latter, “active” category: we develop “smart” nanomaterials that
change their structural/functional properties in response to specific external stimuli (electric or magnetic
fields, electromagnetic radiation, ultrasound, etc.). Specifically, we develop multifunctional nanostructured
materials that are pharmacologically active and that can be actuated by virtue of their magnetic, dielectric,
optically active, or piezoelectric properties.2
More in details, in this talk I will approach applications of smart nanomaterials such as piezoelectric
nanotransducers3, nanotechnological antioxidants4, and hybrid lipid/magnetic nanovectors for advanced
theranostic applications5.
This presentation will summarize our main results to date, and highlights the most promising examples that
could have a practical translation into the clinical or technological realms.
[1] Genchi G.G., […], Ciofani G. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 5: 80 (2017)
[2] Genchi G.G., […], Ciofani G. Advanced Healthcare Materials, 6(9): 1700002 (2017)
[3] Marino A., […], Ciofani G. Nano Today, 14: 9-12 (2017)
[4] Tapeinos C., […], Ciofani G. ACS Omega, 3(8): 8952-8962 (2018)
[5] Tapeinos C., […], Ciofani G. Nanoscale, 11: 72-88 (2019)