Azobenzene-enriched PEG-PLGA micelles as a light-responsive drug delivery platform: Effect of light on biological activity

Title : Azobenzene-enriched PEG-PLGA micelles as a light-responsive drug delivery platform: Effect of light on biological activity

Abstract:

Azobenzene derivatives have the potential to enable light-induced modulation of biological activity. In this study, azobenzene-enriched PEG-PLGA micelles were developed as a delivery system for a selected anticancer agent, with the aim of improving its delivery properties and enabling biological evaluation.

The active compound was successfully encapsulated into PEG-PLGA micelles, yielding a stable micellar system. The developed system was characterized in terms of particle size using dynamic light scattering. Its biological activity was evaluated in MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer cells with and without light exposure to assess the effect of light on the antiproliferative response. These findings highlight the potential of this new type of PEG-PLGA micelles as a delivery platform for anticancer agents and support further investigation of light-related biological effects in personalized medicine applications.

Biography:

Mila Radan is a Full Professor at the Faculty of Chemistry and Technology, University of Split, where she also earned her PhD. With a strong background in Biochemistry, including a Bachelor's degree from the USA, her research focuses on the biological activity of plant-derived compounds, especially their antiproliferative effects and mechanisms. She has made notable contributions to understanding these compounds' influence on cellular signaling. Recently, her work has expanded into metabolomics, with the goal of advancing targeted therapies by exploring therapeutic roles in cellular processes.