Enhanced-DDS · An enhanced drug delivery system for brain cancer treatment which will be tested by human cell-based 3D in vitro microfluidic system

An enhanced drug delivery system for brain cancer treatment which will be tested by human cell-based 3D in vitro microfluidic system

Brain cancer remains one of the most challenging diseases to treat, primarily due to the presence of the blood–brain barrier (BBB), a natural defense system that prevents most drugs from reaching the brain. Conventional chemotherapy often causes severe side effects and exhibits limited therapeutic efficacy because of poor drug delivery to brain tumors. In this context, nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems especially mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have shown great promise for transporting drugs across biological barriers. However, current MSN synthesis methods rely heavily on toxic chemicals, are energy-intensive, and often lack sufficient biocompatibility for clinical translation. This project addresses these challenges by developing an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and biocompatible nanocarrier system for brain cancer treatment. The project introduces an innovative approach to synthesizing MSNs entirely from natural biosources such as rice husk and horsetail, integrating green chemistry principles with advanced plasma surface modification techniques to enhance nanoparticle performance. These biosilica-based nanoparticles will then be tested in a human cell–based 3D microfluidic model of brain cancer, a next-generation in vitro platform that mimics physiological conditions and reduces dependence on animal models. The project has three interlinked objectives: 1. Identify the best natural source of silica for MSN production using green extraction methods to ensure high purity, sustainability, and economic viability. 2. Modify the MSN surface to improve stability, targeting efficiency, and biocompatibility without relying on toxic reagents. 3. Evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of the designed nanoparticles in a 3D microfluidic brain tumor model, combining nanotechnology with modern tissue-engineering techniques to simulate the tumor microenvironment. By bridging materials science, biomedical engineering, and nanomedicine, the project aims to pioneer a new class of biogenic and engineered nanocarriers for brain-targeted drug delivery. This interdisciplinary research responds directly to global and European priorities in sustainable healthcare, green innovation, and the reduction of animal testing, aligning with the European Green Deal and EU’s Horizon Europe missions on cancer and health. Beyond scientific outcomes, the project has strong societal and economic implications. It promotes environmentally sustainable nanotechnology, contributes to circular economy principles by valorizing agricultural waste, and supports the transition toward animal-free drug testing through the development of advanced 3D in vitro models. Economically, the project lays the foundation for future commercialization of biogenic nanoparticle production and plasma modification technologies, potentially benefiting both the European biotech industry and global health markets.Work performed and main achievements Describe the activities performed and the main achievements. Please focus only on technical and scientific part, communication and exploitation activities will be mentioned in another section. For the final report, include the outcomes of the actions.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union