Derya İlem-Özdemir

Prof. Dr. Derya İlem-Özdemir


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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18 September 2023 in Journal of Functional Biomaterials
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MEMeliha Ekinci
Meliha Ekinci
LALuciana Alencar
Luciana Alencar
André Moreni LopesAndré Moreni Lopes
André Moreni Lopes
RSRalph Santos-Oliveira
Ralph Santos-Oliveira
DİDerya İlem-Özdemir
Derya İlem-Özdemir
Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women worldwide, with millions of new cases diagnosed yearly. Addressing the burden of breast cancer mortality requires a comprehensive approach involving early detection, accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and equitable access to healthcare services. In this direction, nano-radiopharmaceuticals have shown potential for enhancing breast cancer diagnosis by combining the benefits of nanoparticles and radiopharmaceutical agents. These nanoscale formulations can provide improved imaging capabilities, increased targeting specificity, and enhanced sensitivity for detecting breast cancer lesions. In this study, we developed and evaluated a novel nano-radio radiopharmaceutical, technetium-99m ([99mTc]Tc)-labeled trastuzumab (TRZ)-decorated methotrexate (MTX)-loaded human serum albumin (HSA) nanoparticles ([99mTc]-TRZ-MTX-HSA), for the diagnosis of breast cancer. In this context, HSA and MTX-HSA nanoparticles were prepared. Conjugation of MTX-HSA nanoparticles with TRZ was performed using adsorption and covalent bonding methods. The prepared formulations were evaluated for particle size, PDI value, zeta (ζ) potential, scanning electron microscopy analysis, encapsulation efficiency, and loading capacity and cytotoxicity on MCF-7, 4T1, and MCF-10A cells. Finally, the nanoparticles were radiolabeled with [99mTc]Tc using the direct radiolabeling method, and cellular uptake was performed with the nano-radiopharmaceutical. The results showed the formation of spherical nanoparticles, with a particle size of 224.1 ± 2.46 nm, a PDI value of 0.09 ± 0.07, and a ζ potential value of −16.4 ± 0.53 mV. The encapsulation efficiency of MTX was found to be 32.46 ± 1.12%, and the amount of TRZ was 80.26 ± 1.96%. The labeling with [99mTc]Tc showed a high labeling efficiency (>99%). The cytotoxicity studies showed no effect, and the cellular uptake studies showed 97.54 ± 2.16% uptake in MCF-7 cells at the 120th min and were found to have a 3-fold higher uptake in cancer cells than in healthy cells. In conclusion, [99mTc]Tc-TRZ-MTX-HSA nanoparticles are promising for diagnosing breast cancer and evaluating the response to treatment in breast cancer patients.

15 May 2025 in Pharmaceutics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
NGNatália Gomes-da-Silva
Natália Gomes-da-Silva
IXIsabelle Xavier-de-Britto
Isabelle Xavier-de-Britto
MSMarilia Amavel Gomes Soares
Marilia Amavel Gomes Soares
NYNatalia Yoshihara
Natalia Yoshihara
DİDerya İlem-Özdemir
Derya İlem-Özdemir
RSRalph Santos-Oliveira
Ralph Santos-Oliveira
Background/Objectives: Lipoxins, particularly Lipoxin A4 (LXA4), are endogenous lipid mediators with potent anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving properties, making them promising candidates for the treatment of inflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders. However, their therapeutic application is limited by poor stability and bioavailability. This study aimed to develop and characterize nanomicelles encapsulating LXA4 (nano-lipoxin A4) to improve its pharmacological efficacy against Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a neurodegenerative condition marked by chronic inflammation and beta-amyloid (Aβ) accumulation. Methods: Nano-lipoxin A4 was synthesized using Pluronic F-127 as a carrier and characterized in terms of morphology, physicochemical stability, and in vitro activity against Aβ fibrils. Dissociation of Aβ fibrils was assessed via Thioflavin-T fluorescence assays and transmission electron microscopy. In vivo biodistribution and pharmacokinetic profiles were evaluated using technetium-99m-labeled nano-lipoxin A4 in rodent models. Hepatic biochemical parameters were also measured to assess potential systemic effects. Results: In vitro studies demonstrated that nano-lipoxin A4 effectively dissociated Aβ fibrils at concentrations of 50 nM and 112 nM. Electron microscopy confirmed the disruption of fibrillar structures. In vivo imaging revealed predominant accumulation in the liver and spleen, consistent with reticuloendothelial system uptake. Pharmacokinetic analysis showed a prolonged half-life (63.95 h) and low clearance rate (0.001509 L/h), indicating sustained systemic presence. Biochemical assays revealed elevated liver enzyme levels, suggestive of increased hepatic metabolism or potential hepatotoxicity. Conclusions: Nano-lipoxin A4 exhibits significant therapeutic potential for Alzheimer’s disease through effective modulation of Aβ pathology and favorable pharmacokinetic characteristics. However, the elevation in liver enzymes necessitates further investigation into systemic safety to support clinical translation.

15 March 2024 in Pharmaceutics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MEMeliha Ekinci
Meliha Ekinci
TRTaís Magne Ramos
Taís Magne Ramos
LALuciana Alencar
Luciana Alencar
PFPierre Fechine
Pierre Fechine
RSRalph Santos-Oliveira
Ralph Santos-Oliveira
DİDerya İlem-Özdemir
Derya İlem-Özdemir
It is evident that radiolabeled drug delivery systems hold great promise in the field of lung cancer management. The combination of therapeutic agents with radiotracers not only allows for precise localization within lung tumors but also enables real-time monitoring of drug distribution. This approach has the potential to enhance targeted therapy and improve patient outcomes. The integration of advanced imaging modalities, such as positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), has played a crucial role in the non-invasive tracking of radiolabeled drugs. These techniques provide valuable insights into drug pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and tumor-targeting efficiency, offering clinicians the ability to personalize treatment regimens. The comprehensive analysis of preclinical and clinical studies presented in this review underscores the progress made in the field. The evidence suggests that radiolabeled drug delivery systems have the potential to revolutionize oncology by offering precise, targeted, and image-guided therapeutic interventions for lung cancer. This innovative approach not only enhances the effectiveness of treatment but also contributes to the development of personalized medicine strategies, tailoring interventions to the specific characteristics of each patient’s cancer. The ongoing research in this area holds promise for further advancements in lung cancer management, potentially leading to improved outcomes and quality of life for patients.

28 January 2026 in Nuclear Medicine and Biology
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
SSSyed Qaiser Shah
Syed Qaiser Shah
RSRalph Santos-Oliveira
Ralph Santos-Oliveira
MSMadeeha Shabnam
Madeeha Shabnam
DİDerya İlem-Özdemir
Derya İlem-Özdemir

7 March 2026 in Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
PDF file
SSSyed Qaiser Shah
Syed Qaiser Shah
RSRalph Santos-Oliveira
Ralph Santos-Oliveira
DİDerya İlem-Özdemir
Derya İlem-Özdemir