Department of Chemical Engineering Seminar 2025-Dr. Athina Angelopoulou (Foundation for Research and Technology (FORTH), Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras)

Abstract

This lecture outlines a comprehensive and interdisciplinary research direction in the design and preclinical evaluation of nanobiomaterials and nanomedicines, with an emphasis on the structural features that determine the biological responses and the translational requirements for clinical application. The research framework includes the systematic study of structure-function of nanomedicines, the design of nanobiomaterials that respond to external (NIR/PTT, magnetic fields) and internal (pH, hypoxia) stimuli, and the evaluation of formulations in preclinical in vivo models. An important research direction is the development of combinatorial approaches that exploit the geometry and surface modification of nanobiomaterials for the development of targeted and personalized nanomedicines. At the same time, the research framework is expanded to two-dimensional materials, the biological effect of nanocarriers (bioavailability, biodistribution, metabolic effects) and the design of biocompatible surfaces that allow safer and more effective administration. The talk highlights the future targeting for the development of nanodrug formulations with a high readiness level (TRL), the control of long-term toxicity and distribution, and the integration of metabolic axes. The aim is to develop the most biologically friendly nanobiomaterials and personalized nanodrugs by integrating international collaborations and research networks for the implementation of competitive programs at the European level.

Speakers Short CV

Dr. Athina Angelopoulou is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Foundation for Technology and Research (FORTH), in the Laboratory of Metabolic Engineering and Systems Biology, and a Research Associate at the Department of Pharmacy (Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology), University of Patras. Her research began at the PhD level with the study of materials of biological interest for application in drug delivery and bone filling at the E.K.E.F.E. “DEMOKRITOS” where she was a fellow. Today, her research has expanded to nanobiomaterials and nanomedicines, with specialization in the inducible nanotechnology of drugs through external and internal stimuli and in the design of personalized preclinical nanotherapeutic regimens. She has 27 publications (h-index 13) and 4 articles under final preparation, has participated in 8 competitive research projects (2 as PI), while in the funded COST CA24115 (CINNAMON) action she participates as a secondary proposer and in the W.P. team. She also serves as an External Expert/Evaluator for the COST OC-2025-1 program. Her research work is strengthened by international collaborations with European institutions and with a pharmaceutical/biotech company in the USA. She has educational work in Physicopharmaceuticals, Pharmaceutical Technology and Cosmetic Technology (spring semester 2026). Her profile is strongly interdisciplinary, connecting physical chemistry, pharmaceutical technology and nanotechnology.