Researcher’s Chronicle | From Porto to Tromsø: Andreia Granja Investigates Nanocarriers for the Treatment of Skin Diseases

Researcher’s Column | Andreia Granja – UiT, Tromsø

My name is Andreia Granja, and I am a Junior Researcher at LAQV, REQUIMTE, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto. Between May and July 2026, I undertook a two-month research mobility period under the supervision of Professor Gøril Eide Flaten, as part of the Transport and Delivery Research Group at the Department of Pharmacy, UiT – The Arctic University of Norway, in Tromsø.

My current research focuses on the development of a specific class of lipid-based nanocarriers known as cubosomes. These systems show great potential for drug delivery due to their high stability, versatility, and ability to interact with the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin, thereby promoting greater skin retention and permeation.

To further enhance their potential for cutaneous drug delivery, these nanocarriers can be formulated with biomimetic lipids, which may increase skin retention and contribute to restoring the skin’s barrier function. This is particularly promising for potential applications in skin diseases associated with a compromised skin barrier, such as atopic dermatitis.

To optimise and validate these nanocarriers, it is essential to use appropriate skin models that allow the assessment of skin retention and permeation. In this context, reliable in vitro models that enable the rapid and cost-effective evaluation of different nanoformulations are particularly relevant. Using these models in the early stages of nanoformulation development can reduce reliance on cell-based assays and animal experimentation, promoting more ethical and sustainable research practices.

In this context, the collaboration with Professor Gøril Eide Flaten, an expert in the development of non-cellular in vitroskin models composed of lipid vesicles that mimic the lipid composition of the stratum corneum, known as the Phospholipid Vesicle-based Permeation Assay (PVPA), proved extremely valuable.

During this research period, I developed PVPA-based skin models representing both healthy and compromised skin barriers, reproducing conditions observed in skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis. I also evaluated the permeation of different cubosome nanoformulations to determine which formulations would promote greater skin retention and assess whether they could contribute to restoring the barrier function, particularly in the damaged skin model.

Following these experiments, I was able to select a nanoformulation with very promising properties and significant potential for topical administration in the treatment of skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis. Based on the results obtained, I am currently preparing a scientific manuscript that I intend to publish in an international peer-reviewed journal in the field.

The Bolsa Nordic fellowship was therefore extremely important, allowing me to develop my scientific skills in a field that was new to me, acquire and refine various laboratory techniques, and obtain a set of highly promising results within a relatively short period.

Beyond the scientific component, this experience allowed me to engage closely with the international environment of the university campus, providing me with a broader perspective on scientific research and the work carried out in an international context.

It also enabled me to strengthen a partnership with an exceptional research group at UiT, creating new opportunities for collaboration and opening doors to my international development as a scientist.

On a more personal level, I had the opportunity to experience unique moments, such as the midnight sun, go hiking and explore trails surrounded by nature, something highly valued by Norwegians , appreciate the beauty of the city, and gain a deeper understanding of the culture and everyday life in northern Norway.

I also had the opportunity to meet several Portuguese professionals working in Norway, which allowed me to learn about different career paths and experiences and better understand the challenges and opportunities associated with pursuing a scientific career abroad.

I would therefore like to express my sincere gratitude to SPOT Nordic for this opportunity, which proved to be an extremely enriching experience, both personally and professionally!