Prof Giorgia PASTORIN

Teaching Activities in NUS

• PR2152 GI System: Science & Therapeutics (sem I)
• PR4204 Special Drug Delivery (sem I)
• PR5304 Fundamental Topics in Pharmaceutical Science (sem II)
  

Research Interests

Our group is specialized in drug delivery and, more recently, in the production, characterization & exploitation of Extracellular vesicle-mimetics called Cell-Derived Nanovesicles (CDNs, originating from either mammalian cells or plants) as novel biocompatible and targeted nanotherapeutics or drug delivery systems. Our approach of using unconventional yet efficacious cell-derived nanocarriers has become our signature program. A more recent development also includes a nano-biohybrid system, comprising synthetic components fused with cell membranes through extrusion, and termed nano-Cell Vesicle Technology Systems (nCVTs). This system offers the advantage of efficient drug loading and structural integrity (imparted by the synthetic component) as well as improved biocompatibility and intrinsic targeting abilities (ensured by the cellular component), which can be exploited for various biomedical applications, such as cardiovascular & liver conditions, infectious diseases (i.e., as vaccines), tissue engineering and cancer treatment.

For cancer, we are focusing on the development of Pro-drugs of platinum(Pt)-based chemotherapeutics, since FDA approved drugs (namely, cisplatin, oxaliplatin and carboplatin, which are all Pt(II) compounds) suffer from severe side effects due to their inability to discriminate between cancerous and healthy cells and their non-specific interactions with other cells and tissues. Our team has conceived new, asymmetric Pt(IV) complexes, which are inert outside the cells and require intracellular reduction, mostly mediated by glutathione, to liberate the cytotoxic chemotherapeutic molecules that interact with DNA as their biological target. This results in preservation of strong anticancer properties with minimal side effects. We are currently developing new Pt-complexes as oral dosage forms.

Lastly, we are developing new strategies for the delivery of actives (cosmetics and drugs) through the skin. One of these projects includes a non-greasy gel that delivers natural compounds at the knee joint and is able to decrease both inflammation and pain sensation but, above all, improves cartilage repair within one week of treatment in a murine model of osteoarthritis.

Overall, our key research areas include:

• Drug delivery strategies through engineered nanovesicles and bio-hybrid systems;
• Targeted nanomedicines for various biomedical applications (e.g. platinum-based pro-drugs + nanocarriers for cancer treatment).
• Topical & transdermal delivery of actives (drugs & cosmetics)

Recruiting PhD Students

Please click on the following links for more details on the respective research projects.

Project 1 – link 
Project 2 – link