Valentina Forlingieri

Mrs. Valentina Forlingieri


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

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

Representative Publications

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25 March 2024 in Applied Nano
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MDMaria Paola Demichelis
Maria Paola Demichelis
APAgustina Mariana Portu
Agustina Mariana Portu
MGMario Alberto Gadan
Mario Alberto Gadan
AVAgostina Vitali
Agostina Vitali
VFValentina Forlingieri
Valentina Forlingieri
Umberto Anselmi-TamburiniUmberto Anselmi-Tamburini
Umberto Anselmi-Tamburini
Nanoparticles composed of inorganic boron-containing compounds represent a promising candidate as 10B carriers for BNCT. This study focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and assessment of the biological activity of composite nanomaterials based on boron carbide (B4C). Boron carbide is a compelling alternative to borated molecules due to its high volumetric B content, prolonged retention in biological systems, and low toxicity. These attributes lead to a substantial accumulation of B in tissues, eliminating the need for isotopically enriched compounds. In our approach, B4C nanoparticles were included in composite nanostructures with ultrasmall superparamagnetic nanoparticles (SPIONs), coated with poly (acrylic acid), and further functionalized with the fluorophore DiI. The successful internalization of these nanoparticles in HeLa cells was confirmed, and a significant uptake of 10B was observed. Micro-distribution studies were conducted using intracellular neutron autoradiography, providing valuable insights into the spatial distribution of the nanoparticles within cells. These findings strongly indicate that the developed nanomaterials hold significant promise as effective carriers for 10B in BNCT, showcasing their potential for advancing cancer treatment methodologies.