Publications by authors named "N A Mauro"

Carbon dot (CD)-based theranostics offers a promising approach for breast cancer (BC) treatment, integrating ultra-localized chemo-photothermal effects to address chemoresistance and enhance therapeutic control. Herein, the development of a targeted theranostic nanosystem for the chemo-phototherapy of breast cancer is described. Fluorescent and biocompatible CDs were passivated with 1,2-bis(3-aminopropylamino)ethane (bAPAE) and decorated with the targeting agent folic acid (FA) through conjugation with a PEG spacer.

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In recent decades, researchers have focused on developing less toxic and more precise cancer therapies. Carbon nanodots (CDs) are among the most promising technologies due to their high biocompatibility, tunable fluorescence, and ability to facilitate photothermal and photodynamic therapy. This study explores the synthesis and characterization of two CDs conjugated with Salphen metal complexes, namely, and , through Sonogashira coupling.

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In this work, we describe the development of targeted polymeric nanoparticles loaded with lenvatinib for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A synthetic brush copolymer (PHEA-g-BIB-pButMA-g-PEG-biotin) was synthesized from α-poly(N-2-hydroxyethyl)-D,L-aspartamide (PHEA) by a three-step reaction involving atom transfer radical polymerisation (ATRP) to graft hydrophobic polybutylmethacrylate pendant groups and further conjugation with biotinylated polyethylene glycol via carbonate ester. Subsequently, lenvatinib-loaded nanoparticles were obtained and characterized demonstrating colloidal size, negative zeta potential, biotin exposure on the surface and the ability to release lenvatinib in a sustained manner.

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This study investigates the remarkable attributes of sulfur-doped carbon nanodots (CDs) synthesized in high yield and a narrow size distribution (4.8 nm). These CDs exhibit notable features, including potential bioelimination through renal clearance and efficient photothermal conversion in the near-infrared region with multicolor photoluminescence across the visible spectrum.

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In this study, we introduce novel microporous poly(D,L-lactide) acid-carbon nanodot (PLA-CD) nanocomposite scaffolds tailored for potential applications in image-guided bone regeneration. Our primary objective was to investigate concentration-dependent structural variations and their relevance to cell growth, crucial aspects in bone regeneration. The methods employed included comprehensive characterization techniques such as DSC/TGA, FTIR, rheological, and degradation assessments, providing insights into the scaffolds' thermoplastic behavior, microstructure, and stability over time.

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