Laboratory of Biotechnological Applications – RT: Mesenchymal Stem Cells as vehicles for drug delivery

Laboratory of Biotechnological Applications

Director: Prof. Anna Brini

Research Topics

Mesenchymal Stem/stromal Cells as vehicles for drug delivery

Topic 3_descrip_Laboratory of biotechnological applications_600x330

Through the University Research Center called StaMeTeC “Staminali Mesenchimali per Terapie Cellulari” Sciences of the Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental sciences we are also studying the use of Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells as drug-delivery systems. After priming cells with anti-tumor drugs (e.g. Paclitaxel, Doxorubicin) we showed that MSCs, isolated from several sources, are resistant to these anticancer agents and, interestingly, are able to efficiently incorporate the compounds that are then slowly released in an active form, leading to a dramatic inhibition of malignant cell growth in vitro. This approach provides the basis for future potential applications in oncology based on the use of cell-mediated drug delivery systems.