[Conception and studies of micro and nanomedicines for brain applications]

As far as micromedicines are concerned, we are interested in the microencapsulation of recombinant proteins, to generate microcarriers upon which living cells can be adsorbed, a highly challenging technology. The whole system forms a Pharmacologically Active Microcarrier (PAM) to be used in cell therapy in the context of neurodegenerative diseases. More precisely, the PAMs are used for tissue engineering, they will increase cell survival time as well as the differentiation and integration of grafted cells following transplants in animals, these micromedicines can also activate the regenerative potential of adult stem cells such as the MIAMI cells. Within the domain of nanomedicines, we are pursuing the development of lipid nanocapsules that act as biomimetic nanovectors resembling lipoproteins. We are studying systematically the biodistribution profiles of these nanomedicines depending on their route of administration, local or systemic. In particular, we are trying to define the essential physicochemical parameters of these nanovectors that, after administration, control the targeting of tumours. In the same way, we are trying to understand how these nanomedicines cross biological barriers and how they interact with cells. In terms of preclinical applications, we are focusing on glioblastomas. The route of administration can be systemic or local. The most promising results in terms of survival of tumour-bearing animals were obtained by infusing radioactive nanocapsules intratumourally, in order to achieve an in-situ radiotherapy approach.