Francisco Arriagada

Dr. Francisco Arriagada

Facultad de Ciencias Químicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile
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Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

33Years (1994-Present)

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

Representative Publications

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26 March 2020 in Pharmaceutics
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Francisco ArriagadaFrancisco Arriagada
Francisco Arriagada
GGGerman Gunther
German Gunther
JMJavier Morales
Javier Morales
Nanosystems used in pharmaceutical formulations have shown promising results in enhancing the administration of drugs of difficult formulations. In particular, porous silica nanoparticles have demonstrated excellent properties for application in biological systems; however, there are still several challenges related to the development of more effective and biocompatible materials. An interesting approach to enhance these nanomaterials has been the development of nanoantioxidant carriers. In this work, a hybrid nanoantioxidant carrier based on porous silica nanoplatform with rosmarinic acid antioxidant immobilized on its surface were developed and characterized. Techniques such as dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N2 adsorption–desorption measurements, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform–infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH●) assay were used to characterize and evaluate the antioxidant activity of nanocarriers. In addition, drug release profile was evaluated using two biorelevant media. The antioxidant activity of rosmarinic acid was maintained, suggesting the correct disposition of the moiety. Kinetic studies reveal that more morin is released in the simulated intestinal fluid than in the gastric one, while an anomalous non–Fickian release mechanism was observed. These results suggest a promising antioxidant nanocarrier suitable for future application in drug delivery.

28 October 2021 in Nanomedicine
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POPablo Oyarzún
Pablo Oyarzún
EGEduardo Gallardo-Toledo
Eduardo Gallardo-Toledo
JMJavier Morales
Javier Morales
Francisco ArriagadaFrancisco Arriagada
Francisco Arriagada
Topical drug delivery is a promising approach to treat different skin disorders. However, it remains a challenge mainly due to the nature and rigidity of the nanosystems, which limit deep skin pene...

25 May 2023 in Pharmaceutics
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NJNicolás Jackson
Nicolás Jackson
AOAndrea C. Ortiz
Andrea C. Ortiz
AJAlejandro Jerez
Alejandro Jerez
JMJavier Morales
Javier Morales
Francisco ArriagadaFrancisco Arriagada
Francisco Arriagada
Stimuli-responsive nanomaterials have emerged as a promising strategy for inclusion in anticancer therapy. In particular, pH-responsive silica nanocarriers have been studied to provide controlled drug delivery in acidic tumor microenvironments. However, the intracellular microenvironment that the nanosystem must face has an impact on the anticancer effect; therefore, the design of the nanocarrier and the mechanisms that govern drug release play a crucial role in optimizing efficacy. Here, we synthesized and characterized mesoporous silica nanoparticles with transferrin conjugated on their surface via a pH-sensitive imine bond (MSN-Tf) to assess camptothecin (CPT) loading and release. The results showed that CPT-loaded MSN-Tf (MSN-Tf@CPT) had a size of ca. 90 nm, a zeta potential of −18.9 mV, and a loaded content of 13.4%. The release kinetic data best fit a first-order model, and the predominant mechanism was Fickian diffusion. Additionally, a three-parameter model demonstrated the drug-matrix interaction and impact of transferrin in controlling the release of CPT from the nanocarrier. Taken together, these results provide new insights into the behavior of a hydrophobic drug released from a pH-sensitive nanosystem.

3 June 2019 in Current Pharmaceutical Design
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Francisco ArriagadaFrancisco Arriagada
Francisco Arriagada
JMJavier Morales
Javier Morales
The first limiting barrier for the transport in the skin is the stratum corneum; different strategies have been developed to overcome this barrier, including chemical enhancers. However, these penetration enhancers have limitations, including toxic adverse effects. In this context, research into nanomaterials has provided new tools to increase the residence time of drugs by generating a reservoir, increasing the specificity of drugs and reducing their adverse effects, and improving the penetration of drugs that are difficult to formulate. Silica nanoparticles have been proposed as suitable nanocarriers for skin delivery. Unfortunately, the mechanisms involved in the interaction, transport and fate of silica nanoparticles in the skin have not been fully investigated. This paper reviews significant findings about the interaction between silica-based nanocarriers and the skin. First, this review focuses on the properties and functions of the skin, the skin penetration properties of silica nanoparticles, their synthesis strategies and their toxicity. Finally, advances and evidence on the application of silica nanocarriers in skin drug delivery are provided, in which the use of nanoparticles increases the stability and solubility of the bioactive compound, enhancing its performance, act as penetrator enhancer and improving controlled release. Thus, improving the treatment of some skin disorders.

14 July 2025 in Pharmaceutics
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Andrés Ignacio Nuñez SalinasAndrés Ignacio Nuñez Salinas
Andrés Ignacio Nuñez Salinas
CPCristian Parra-Garretón
Cristian Parra-Garretón
DADaniel Acuña
Daniel Acuña
SPSofía Peñaloza
Sofía Peñaloza
GGGerman Gunther
German Gunther
JMJavier Morales
Javier Morales
Nanoradiopharmaceuticals integrate nanotechnology with nuclear medicine to enhance the precision and effectiveness of radiopharmaceuticals used in diagnostic imaging and targeted therapies. Nanomaterials offer improved targeting capabilities and greater stability, helping to overcome several limitations. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the fundamental design principles, radiolabeling techniques, and biomedical applications of nanoradiopharmaceuticals, with a particular focus on their expanding role in precision oncology. It explores key areas, including single- and multi-modal imaging modalities (SPECT, PET), radionuclide therapies involving beta, alpha, and Auger emitters, and integrated theranostic systems. A diverse array of nanocarriers is examined, including liposomes, micelles, albumin nanoparticles, PLGA, dendrimers, and gold, iron oxide, and silica-based platforms, with an assessment of both preclinical and clinical research outcomes. Theranostic nanoplatforms, which integrate diagnostic and therapeutic functions within a single system, enable real-time monitoring and personalized dose optimization. Although some of these systems have progressed to clinical trials, several obstacles remain, including formulation stability, scalable manufacturing, regulatory compliance, and long-term safety considerations. In summary, nanoradiopharmaceuticals represent a promising frontier in personalized medicine, particularly in oncology. By combining diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities within a single nanosystem, they facilitate more individualized and adaptive treatment approaches. Continued innovation in formulation, radiochemistry, and regulatory harmonization will be crucial to their successful routine clinical use.

25 May 2025 in Pharmaceutics
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RRRodrigo Rozas
Rodrigo Rozas
AOAndrea C. Ortiz
Andrea C. Ortiz
SPSofía Peñaloza
Sofía Peñaloza
SLSebastian Patricio Lizama
Sebastian Patricio Lizama
MFMario E. Flores
Mario E. Flores
Francisco ArriagadaFrancisco Arriagada
Francisco Arriagada
Background/Objectives: The absence of standardized protocols for assessing in vitro drug release from nanocarriers poses significant challenges in nanoformulation development. This study evaluated three in vitro methods: sample and separate without medium replacement (independent batch), sample and separate with medium replacement, and a dialysis bag method, to characterize the release of rhodamine B from mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs). Methods: Each method was examined under varying agitation conditions (shaking versus stirring). MSNs were synthesized via the sol-gel method, exhibiting a hydrodynamic diameter of 202 nm, a zeta potential of −23.5 mV, and a surface area of 688 m2/g, with a drug loading efficiency of 32.4%. Results: Release profiles revealed that the independent batch method exhibited a rapid initial burst followed by a plateau after 4 h, attributed to surface saturation effects. Conversely, the sample and separate with medium replacement method sustained the release up to 60% over 48 h, maintaining sink conditions. The dialysis method showed agitation-dependent variability, with magnetic stirring using a longer stir bar enhancing release. Kinetic analyses indicated first-order kinetics with non-Fickian diffusion. Conclusions: Overall, the results indicate that both the selection of the in vitro method and the agitation technique play a crucial role in determining the apparent drug release kinetics from nanocarriers. These findings highlight the critical role of experimental design in interpreting nanocarrier release kinetics, advocating for tailored protocols to improve reproducibility and in vitro–in vivo correlations in nanoformulation.