Prof. Dr. Delia Teresa Sponza is currently working as a professor at Dokuz Eylül University, Department of Environmental Engineering. Scientific study topics are; Environmental engineering microbiology, Environmental engineering ecology, Treatment of fluidized bed and activated sludge systems, Nutrient removal, Activated sludge microbiology, Environmental health, Industrial toxicity and toxicity studies, The effect of heavy metals on microorganisms, Treatment of toxic compounds by anaerobic / aerobic sequential processes, Anaerobic treatment of organic chemicals that cause industrial toxicity and wastewater containing them, Anaerobic treatability of wastewater containing dyes, Treatment of antibiotics with anaerobic and aerobic sequential systems, Anaerobic and aerobic treatment of domestic organic wastes with different industrial treatment sludges, Treatment of polyaromatic compounds with bio-surfactants in anaerobic and aerobic environments, Treatment of petrochemical, Textile and olive processing industry wastewater by sonication, Treatment of olive processing industry wastewater with nanoparticles and the toxicity of nanoparticles. She has many international publications with an H index of 42 and 6000 citations.
Nanomedicine and drug delivery
Nanotechnology is instrumental across various fields of life, offering transformative approaches to solving complex problems. At the core of this innovation is nanomedicine, a new field that leverages the unique properties of nanoparticles to revolutionize pharmaceutical delivery and clinical practices. Nanomedicine focuses on using nanoparticles as nanodrugs to create highly effective drug delivery systems, marking a significant advancement in treating various diseases. Several nanomaterials, already commercially accessible as pharmaceutical delivery agents, have shown substantial efficacy in clinical studies. Recent developments in nanomedicine have led to significant innovations, including nanomedicines based on natural products, carbon dots (CDs), nanorobots, dendrimers, liposomes, micelles, and metal-based nanoparticles. Each of these advancements brings unique properties that enhance drug delivery, targeting, and overall therapeutic efficacy. Biomedical applications of nanomedicine are diverse, addressing several critical areas, such as cancer treatment through passive and active targeting mechanisms, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer’s disease, ophthalmological conditions, and combating antibiotic resistance. Specifically, nanotherapeutics have shown promising results in treating Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases by offering targeted and site-specific drug delivery systems, thus reducing side effects and improving patient outcomes. In cancer treatment, nanomedicines such as Marqibo and Myocet have successfully transitioned from clinical trials to commercial availability, providing new options for oncogenic therapies that were otherwise hazardous and challenging to deliver. Moreover, natural polymers, particularly those derived from plants, are gaining popularity in nanodrug administration due to their affordability, non-toxicity, and efficacy. This trend reflects a broader movement towards safer and more effective nanodrug formulations. Nanotechnology’s potential to treat chronic illnesses through targeted drug delivery is undeniable, yet there remain significant challenges and limitations that must be addressed to fully realize its benefits. The review discusses the recent breakthroughs in nanomaterial-based nanodrug delivery and explores the current challenges and outlook for future advancements in nanomedicine. Despite the progress, there is a need for continued innovation to overcome existing hurdles, such as optimizing drug formulations for oral delivery and addressing resistance mechanisms. The future of nanomedicine promises to bring new technologies and treatments, continually expanding the possibilities for curing human diseases.