Among the nanotechnology sub-areas, I was always fascinated by the nanomedicine interface, where I could explore chemistry in biological applications. In this scenario, during my master's degree I developed new drugs and encapsulation in copolymers for application in PDT against microorganisms. This inspired me to continue to seek the use of nanomaterials to improve biomedical applications, taking on a doctoral project in the development of new nanoparticles for application against cancer cells. During my doctorate I did 18 months of research at the University of Piemonte Orientale, under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Leonardo Marchese and Prof. Dr. Enrica Gianotti. It was during this period that I developed nanoparticles of mesoporous silica for application in bioimaging and PDT, in which 7 articles were generated. In addition, it helped me to improve my knowledge in cell culture and molecular biology. Being able to navigate in different areas like chemistry and biology, helped to develop a critical sense and teamwork through collaborations. These experiences led me to have several innovative post-doctoral grants approved in the area, resulting in an amount exceeding € 50,000. During my post-doctorate in Brazil, I developed a quantum dot of ZnO-PEI coated with a real pancreatic cell membrane, which resulted in interesting results about the buffering effect in hypoxic-tumor medium. In addition, I was given a magnificent experience at UNISTRA together with the group of Prof. Luisa de Cola. In this learning period, I worked with nanocages and large porous silica, for application in tumor hypoxia in glioblastoma, in addition to developing a new porous B-Si nanoparticle. In addition, I advised some undergraduate students in the development of QD, lignin-curcumin nanoparticles for applications in PDT, encapsulation of Ir complexes in MCM-41, study of protein-corona in silica nanoparticles. Currently, working at the Italian Institute of Technology, my main focus is to develop PLGA microplates for application in Neurodevelopmental disorders.
Bianca Martins EstevÃO
Nanotechnology for Precision Medicine
Title: Visiting researcher
Institute: Université de Strabourg
Location: Strasbourg
Country: France
From: 2019 To: 2020
Title: Post-doc
Institute: University of São Paulo
Location: São Carlos
Country: Brazil
From: 2016 To: 2022
Title: Visiting student
Institute: Università del Piemonte Orientale
Location: Alessandria
Country: Italy
From: 2013 To: 2015
Title: PhD Student
Institute: State University of Maringá
Location: Maringá, Paraná
Country: Brazil
From: 2012 To: 2016
Title: Master Student
Institute: State University of Maringá
Location: Maringá, Paraná
Country: Brazil
From: 2010 To: 2012
Title: Chemistry graduate student
Institute: State University of Londrina
Location: Londrina, Paraná
Country: Brazil
From: 2006 To: 2009
Chemistry
- Organic chemistry - synthesis
- Physical chemistry
Nanoparticles
- Synthesis and preparation of silica nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles, liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles and quantum dots
- Physicochemical nanomaterials characterization techniques: dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, nanotracking analysis, spectroscopy analysis (UV-Vis, Fluorescence and life-time, Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy), thermogravimetry analysis, stability assays, H1 and C13 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance analysis
- Nanoparticles coating and functionalization
Microscopy
- SEM, AFM and Fluorescence Microscopy
Biolab
- Pancreatic, lung and neuronal cancer cell culture and cell-based assays
- Statistical Data analysis