Nanomaterials are reshaping the landscape of cancer diagnosis and therapy by enabling early detection, targeted delivery, and enhanced therapeutic efficacy. This presentation showcases two complementary nanomaterial-based platforms designed to advance cancer theranostics. The first system involves a novel hydrogel composed of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) incorporated with nanographene oxide (nGO) for bioimaging-assisted cervical cancer diagnostics. Leveraging the distinctive optical and electrical properties of nGO, this hybrid hydrogel exhibits superior bioimaging performance, allowing early-stage detection of malignant cells. The CMC/nGO hydrogels display outstanding antioxidant activity (~90%) and excellent biocompatibility (>90%), underscoring their potential as multifunctional biomaterials for combined diagnostic and therapeutic applications. The second approach focuses on a targeted drug delivery system using camptothecin (CPT)-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) functionalized with CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG ODN) for skin cancer treatment. The chitosan-coated MSNs achieve high drug encapsulation efficiency (≈95%) and targeted release, while the CpG ODN component stimulates antitumor immune responses. In vitro and in vivo results demonstrate enhanced cytotoxicity toward cancer cells and significant tumor regression. Collectively, these findings illustrate how nanomaterial-driven platforms can integrate bioimaging, immunomodulation, and controlled drug delivery into a single therapeutic strategy, paving the way for the next generation of precision cancer therapies.

Pedro Fonte is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Algarve, Portugal. He is an Integrated Member of the Center for Marine Sciences (CCMAR) at the University of Algarve and a Collaborative Researcher at the Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences (iBB) at Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon.

He has expertise on developing cutting-edge nanocarriers for drug delivery. His research is dedicated to pioneering targeted and controlled drug delivery systems that effectively cross biological barriers, enhancing treatment precision and efficacy. He is also a specialist in the lyophilization and solid-state characterization of pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals, ensuring the stability and bioactivity of drugs. Moreover, his expertise extends to the structural characterization of therapeutic proteins, vital for advancing biopharmaceutical innovations. Currently, his groundbreaking work is primarily focused on revolutionary applications in cancer treatment and wound healing.

Pedro Fonte has successfully coordinated several funded scientific projects, establishing valuable collaborations with researchers and academics worldwide. His publication record includes over 50 papers in high-impact peer-reviewed journals, 10 book chapters, and 1 edited book. His contributions to the scientific community and society have garnered him many awards and distinctions, including recognition as one of the Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University.