Portfolio

Research Projects and funding

Over the course of my career, I have had the opportunity to contribute to a range of multidisciplinary research projects, working with international teams across academic and collaborative environments. From conducting research and developing scientific outputs to preparing project deliverables and communicating results, each project has strengthened a different aspect of my scientific and professional experience.

Here, I share selected projects and highlight my role, contributions, and key outcomes, providing a closer look at the work behind my research experience.

HeatNMof-Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network (MSCA ITN) grant

“Heating triggered drug release from nanometric inorganic-metal organic framework composites”

The aim of the project was to combine the highly porous and versatile structure of biocompatible Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) with plasmonic and magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) to provide a powerful tool to tackle cancer. In this context, my PhD research was mainly focused on synthesizing novel core-shell composites based on MNPs and MOFs and evaluating their effectiveness in cancer treatment through magnetic hyperthermia therapy (MHT) and drug delivery applications.

My Role: Early stage researcher/ PhD researcher

Research · Project Deliverables · Scientific Communication · International Collaboration

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GIULIa-European Research Council (ERC) grant

“Magnetic hyperthermia for metastasized tumor treatment and remote manipulation of microdevices”

The GIULIa project aims to expand magnetic hyperthermia (MHT) to the treatment of metastases by loading magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) onto natural killer (NK) cells. These cells can deliver MNPs directly to metastatic sites, combining the therapeutic effects of NK-cell immunotherapy with MHT. The project also explores MHT-mediated locomotion for microrobotics, advancing the use of MNPs in cancer therapy, drug delivery and biomedical microrobotics. My contribution as a Postdoctoral researcher was to deliver advanced core-shell materials based on plasmonic and magnetic nanoparticles coated with MOFs as multifunctional theranostic nanoplatforms. These smart composites integrate drug delivery with magnetic hyperthermia (MH) and photothermal therapy (PTT), enabling simultaneous treatment strategies. By controlling drug release and combining thermal therapies, this approach addresses key challenges such as multidrug resistance and dosage uncertainty. Ultimately, it provides a powerful theranostic tool linking nanomaterial design with cellular response for more effective cancer treatments.

My Role: Postdoc Researcher

Research · Project Deliverables · Scientific Communication · International Collaboration

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nexMPI-COST Action

“Magnetic Particle Imaging for next-generation theranostics and medical research“

During my Short-Term Scientific Mission (STSM), funded through a COST Action CA23132, I investigated engineered magnetic metal–organic framework (MOF) nanotheranostics for potential applications in cancer hyperthermia. The work focused on optimizing their heating efficiency and evaluating their performance for multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic particle imaging (MPI), with the broader aim of supporting the development of clinically relevant theranostic platforms.

My role: Postdoc Researcher

Research · Project Deliverables · Scientific Communication · International Collaboration

View COST Action

Publications

ORCID Google Scholar ResearchGate

Selected peer-reviewed publications demonstrating my scientific background and experience communicating research findings:

Seeded-Growth of ZIF-8 onto Magnetic Nanoparticles: Smart Nanocarriers with Ultrahigh Drug Loading for AMF-Triggered Release

Ana Maria Panaite, Aleksandra Predeina, Aitor Alvarez Lorenzo, Manuel Ceballos, Pascal Clerc, Niccolò Silvestri, Andrea Griesi, Giorgio Divitini, Julian Carrey, Veronique Gigoux, Pablo del Pino*, Teresa Pellegrino*.

Small, 2026.

Leading author

🔗 DOI 📝 Show abstract

MOF composites for hyperthermia applications

Ana Maria Panaite*, Aleksandra Predeina, Giulia Eugenia Paola Nucci, Longfei Tan, Teresa Pellegrino*.

Materials Today, 2026.

Leading and co-corresponding author

🔗 DOI 📝 Show abstract

Cation Exchange Protocol to Radiolabel Rare-Earth Nanoparticles with Yttrium-90 for Radiotherapy and for Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Nisarg Soni, Ana Maria Panaite, Tuhin Samanta, Giulia Eugenia Paola Nucci, Longfei Tan, Teresa Pellegrino*.

ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, 2025, 17 (24), 35181–35194.

Second author

🔗 DOI 📝 Show abstract

Medical and Scientific Writer

Below are selected examples of medical writing projects focused on summarizing clinical evidence and scientific publications. I have also included examples of regulatory documents, such as SOPs and study plans, developed based on published evidence to demonstrate my ability to translate scientific data into clear, structured, and fit-for-purpose regulatory documentation.

Scientific abstracts

PhD Thesis

“Engineering the surface of Magnetic Nanoparticles with Metal-Organic Framework for hyperthermia and drug delivery applications”

The present thesis dissertation presents my doctoral work carried out over the last three years at the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), University of Genova (UniGe), and University of Santiago de Compostela. The thesis has been conducted within the framework of the Marie Curie ITN project HeatNMof, which aims to combine the highly porous and versatile structure of biocompatible Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) with plasmonic and magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) to provide a powerful tool to tackle cancer. Read more.

Abstract Conference at the Third International School on Porous Materials-MOFSchool2023

“Core-shell magnetic-nanoMOF composites for hyperthermia and drug delivery applications”

Autores: Ana M. Panaite, Aleksandra Predeina, Aitor Alvarez, Pablo del Pino, Teresa Pellegrino

Keywords: magnetic nanoparticles, metal-organic framework, nanocomposites, magnetic hyperthermia

In the fight against cancer, nanotechnology is playing an important role by improving the efficacy of traditional therapies. Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems have many advantages by accomplishing multiple functions including imaging, prolonged circulation time, drug delivery and controlled release. In recent years, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and in particular iron oxide-based magnetic nanoparticles have gained significance in biomedical applications due to their superparamagnetism, high surface area, low toxicity, and magnetic response in the presence of magnetic fields.^[1] Read more

On the other hand, the nanosized Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOF) as a particular type of hybrid porous materials assembled by metal ions or the secondary building units (SBUs) with organic ligands, have been exploited for various biomedical applications^[2] owing to their enormous surface area, high porosity, and adjustable structure and composition, functional diversity as well as biocompatibility and biodegradability.

To combine MNPs with MOFs to form core-shell nanocomposites is a promising strategy that could enable the preparation of new nanocomposite materials with unprecedented properties. The high surface area of MOFs enables the storing and the releasing of pharmaceuticals, while the MNPs provide sensitivity to a magnetic field. Here we present a type of composite, fabricated by incorporation of iron oxide based nanoparticles inside a MOF based on Zn²⁺. The resulting nanocrystal Fe₃O₄@ZIF-8, showed a cubic morphology with sizes below 200 nm. Moreover, these nanocomposites still maintain the ability of the magnetic nanoparticles to heat up upon exposure to alternating magnetic fields even when encapsulated in MOF making them suitable heating agents in magnetic hyperthermia.

HeatNMOF | 2020 This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement No. 860942.

[1] a) “Magnetic nanoparticles and clusters for magnetic hyperthermia: optimizing their heat performance and developing combinatorial therapies to tackle cancer”, Gavilan, H. et al., Chem. Soc. Rev. 2021, 50, 11614-11667; b) “From iron oxide nanoparticles towards advanced iron based inorganic materials designed for biomedical applications”, Figuerola, A. et al., Pharmacol, Res. 2010, 62, 126-143.

[2] a) “Porous metal-organic-framework nanoscale carriers as a potential platform for drug delivery and imaging”, Horcajada, P. et al. Nat. Mater. 2010, 9, 172; b) “Aqueous stable Gold Nanostars/ZIF-8 nanocomposites for light triggered release of active cargo living inside cells”, Carrillo-Carrion, C. et al. Angew. Chem. 2019, 131, 7152-7156.

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Clinical Reports

These examples are based on published clinical reports. I conducted a thorough of the study documentation, and synthesized the key the key clinical findings, highlighting the most relevant results and supporting data.

Disclaimer: These documents are independently prepared for portfolio purposes using publicly available clinical study information. It is intended solely to demonstrate my scientific and medical writing skills, and not affiliated with, endorsed by, or financially connected to the organizations, studies, or products referenced.

Scientific Communication

Throughout my career, Throughout my career, I have designed and led research projects, secured competitive funding, contributed to 7 peer-reviewed publications, and presented my work at ~10 international conferences and scientific meetings. My experience spans academic, clinical, and industry environments, combining rigorous research with scientific writing and communication for diverse audiences.

My work encompasses publications, conference presentations and posters, grant proposals, technical documentation, literature reviews, research summaries, and educational materials. Across these formats, I focus on translating complex scientific findings into clear, engaging, and actionable information—whether communicating with specialist researchers, multidisciplinary teams, or broader audiences.

Some projects cannot be publicly displayed due to confidentiality agreements or ongoing collaborations. Selected materials can be shared upon request and with the appropriate authorization.

Talks

PhD Presentation

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Poster Presentations

Poster #RSCPoster2025

Poster Third International School on Porous Materials-MOFSchool2023

Outreach

International Talks: Ana Maria Panaite

ESR 5 @anapanaite_ has participated in the XXX International Materials Research Congress #IMRCcongress. She has presented a poster: “Engineering the surface of magnetic nanoparticles with metal organic framework for hyperthermia and drug delivery applications”. Great job! pic.twitter.com/Gh1XHsCTf9
— HeatNMof (@HeatNMof) August 18, 2022

Under European Research Night 2021

Project Management

As part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network (MSCA ITN) HeatNMof, I gained hands-on experience in the coordination and management of a collaborative, international research project. Working within a multidisciplinary network, I contributed to the preparation, organization, and presentation of project deliverables, while developing a strong understanding of project timelines, reporting requirements, milestones, and effective communication across research teams.

This experience strengthened my ability to organize complex scientific information, communicate progress clearly, and present project outcomes to different stakeholders. It also provided valuable insight into the practical aspects of managing collaborative research projects within a structured European funding framework.

For more information check out HeatNMof Grant agreement ID: 860942

Certifications

Good Clinical Practice (ICH-GCP E6(R3))

Novartis, 2026

Scientific Writing

University of Stanford, 2026

Project Management

Google, ongoing