Dr. Luciano Fusco | Immunology | Best Research Article Award

CONICET y UNNE, Argentina

Author Profile

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Luciano Sebastian Fusco, born on January 2, 1986, in Corrientes, Argentina, has consistently demonstrated a deep passion for science and a commitment to understanding biochemical processes from an early stage in his career. He pursued his foundational studies at the National University of the Northeast (UNNE), where he earned his degree as a Biochemist in 2010. He continued on this academic trajectory, completing a Ph.D. in Chemical Sciences at UNNE in 2015, a decision that marked a turning point in his scientific journey. During this period, Dr. Fusco began his in-depth exploration of snake venom toxicology and immunology—fields that would come to define his career. In addition to his formal degrees, he expanded his academic horizons by completing over 20 specialized postgraduate courses, focusing on immunotoxicology, proteomics, biotechnology, and pedagogical training for higher education, laying a solid foundation for both research and teaching.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Fusco currently serves as an Adjunct Researcher at CONICET—Argentina’s most prestigious scientific institution—and as a faculty member at UNNE’s Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences and Surveying. Over the past 15 years, he has cemented his place as an authority in snakebite toxicology, immunology, and protein chemistry, tackling one of the world’s most neglected tropical diseases. His work combines rigorous laboratory research with practical applications in public health, particularly in developing more effective antivenoms. Dr. Fusco’s scientific career includes strong collaborative links with leading international institutions such as UNICAMP, Fiocruz, and Butantan Institute in Brazil, and the Institute of Biomedicine of Valencia (IBV–CSIC) in Spain. These collaborations have enriched his scientific output and brought global perspectives into his lab in Argentina, positioning him as a bridge between Latin American and European scientific networks.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

At the heart of Dr. Fusco’s research is a relentless drive to innovate antivenom production techniques and make them more efficient, affordable, and widely available in regions where snakebites are a major health issue. His projects focus on immunological strategies that incorporate nanostructured adjuvants, aiming to enhance the body’s immune response and increase the efficacy of antivenoms. His groundbreaking investigations have led to the development of experimental antivenoms using novel adjuvants such as CpG-ODN and ascorbyl palmitate, combining cutting-edge immunology with tangible health benefits. He has authored or co-authored more than 15 peer-reviewed publications, contributing significantly to the academic discourse on venom immunogenicity, PLA2 enzyme inhibition, and venom component characterization.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Fusco’s scientific excellence has been consistently recognized through competitive funding and research support from institutions like CONICET, FONCYT, SGCyT, and the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (RSTMH) in the UK. The RSTMH Early Career Grant he received in 2022 is a testament to his international credibility and the global relevance of his research. These accolades not only reflect the scientific value of his work but also acknowledge his growing leadership in the field of neglected diseases and biomedical innovation.

🌎 Impact and Influence

The societal relevance of Dr. Fusco’s research is profound. In regions such as Latin America, where snakebites are a significant public health burden, his work contributes to saving lives and improving the quality of emergency response systems. By pushing for more immunogenic and affordable antivenoms, he is directly addressing gaps in health equity. Moreover, his dedication to human resource development is notable; he has mentored doctoral students, undergraduate researchers, and research fellows, effectively shaping the next generation of biomedical scientists in Argentina. His interdisciplinary and collaborative approach encourages knowledge sharing across borders, institutions, and cultures.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking forward, Dr. Luciano Fusco is poised to leave a lasting legacy in the realm of immunotherapeutics and venom research. His scientific endeavors will likely continue to evolve, incorporating tools from biotechnology, nanomedicine, and systems biology to refine and revolutionize antivenom production. Equally important is his role as an educator and mentor, ensuring that the future of biochemical research in Argentina remains vibrant and globally connected. His work not only uplifts national scientific capacity but also aligns with global health priorities such as reducing mortality from neglected tropical diseases.

📝Notable Publications

Venomic and F(ab’)₂ antivenomic studies of Bothrops alternatus venom proteins

Author(s): Luciano S. Fusco, Emidio Beraldo-Neto, Juan J. Calvete, Libia Sanz, Laura C. Lanari, Carolina Lorente, Laura C. Leiva, Daniel Pimenta, Adolfo R. de Roodt, Davinia Pla
Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
Year: 2025

Evaluation of a nanostructured CpG-ODN/ascorbyl palmitate as a safe and effective adjuvant for anticrotalic PLA2 serum

Author(s): Luciano S. Fusco, Gisela L. Lopez, Franco Maslovski, Sofía Brignone, María G. Chaves, Juan J. Calvete, Yanet G. Franco, David Hernandez, Andrea Van de Velde, Constanza Marin et al.
Journal: Transactions of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Year: 2025

Ascorbyl palmitate (ASC16) as a potential inhibitor of toxicity induced by Crotalus durissus terrificus venom

Author(s): Franco Maslovski, Emilio Angelina, María Alonso, Laura Leiva, Luciano Fusco
Journal: Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part C: Toxicology & Pharmacology
Year: 2024

Potential low-impact immunogen for the production of anti-bothropic serum: Bothrops alternatus venom treated with Na₂EDTA

Author(s): Gisela Lumila Lopez, Andrea Van de Velde, David Hernández, Soledad Bustillo, Laura Leiva, Luciano Sebastian Fusco
Journal: Toxicon
Year: 2024

CpG-ODN formulated with a nanostructure as adjuvant for anticrotalic serum production. Studies in mice

Author(s): Luciano S. Fusco, María M. Pascual, David Hernandez, María F. Sánchez Vallecillo, María B. Arrieta, Gabriel Moron, Santiago Palma, Belkys A. Maletto, Laura C. Leiva
Journal: Toxicon
Year: 2022

Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Anna Szewczyk (Zielichowska) embarked on her scientific journey with a deep passion for biomedical research, particularly in the field of innovative cancer therapies. From an early stage, she displayed a remarkable ability to grasp complex biological concepts and apply them in a laboratory setting. Her academic years were filled with rigorous coursework and hands-on research experiences that strengthened her foundation in molecular biology, cellular studies, and advanced laboratory techniques. Her dedication to scientific exploration set her apart, paving the way for a promising career in oncology and electroporation-based treatments.

Professional Endeavors 💼

Anna Szewczyk has made significant strides in the field of biomedical research through her work at the State Research Institute Center for Innovative Medicine in Vilnius, Lithuania, and Wroclaw Medical University in Poland. As a postdoctoral fellow in Vilnius, she has been deeply involved in studying nanosecond electroporation and its applications in gene electrotransfer. Her research focuses on analyzing the cellular stress induced by electroporation, a crucial aspect of optimizing this technology for therapeutic purposes. Her work at Wroclaw Medical University further highlights her expertise in immuno-oncology, electroporation techniques, and 3D bioprinting. She has played a key role in optimizing therapy parameters, validating results, and contributing to the development of advanced cancer treatments.

Contributions and Research Focus 🌍

Anna’s research is centered on exploring the potential of electroporation-based treatments in oncology. By utilizing various pulse variants, such as microsecond and nanosecond pulses, as well as unipolar and bipolar techniques, she aims to enhance drug delivery and improve cancer treatment outcomes. Her work incorporates methodologies such as electro-chemotherapy, confocal microscopy, and immunocytochemistry assays to assess the effectiveness of these treatments. Additionally, her expertise in 3D bioprinting enables her to create realistic cancer models that aid in testing new therapeutic approaches. She is also actively involved in grant applications and conference organization, ensuring that her research contributes to the broader scientific community.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Anna’s dedication and contributions to biomedical research have been recognized through multiple publications in esteemed scientific journals. Her findings have provided valuable insights into the mechanisms of electroporation and its implications in cancer therapy. She has also been invited to present her research at international conferences, where she has shared her knowledge with fellow scientists and established meaningful collaborations. Her ability to secure funding for research projects further demonstrates her commitment to advancing the field of oncology and electroporation-based therapies.

Impact and Influence 📈

Through her research and professional endeavors, Anna Szewczyk has made a significant impact on the scientific community. Her work in electroporation has contributed to the development of more precise and effective cancer treatments, offering hope to patients with aggressive or treatment-resistant cancers. She has also been instrumental in mentoring young researchers, guiding them in their academic pursuits and fostering a collaborative research environment. Her passion for scientific discovery continues to inspire those around her, making her a respected figure in her field.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌟

As she continues to advance in her career, Anna aims to expand the applications of electroporation-based therapies and explore new frontiers in cancer treatment. She envisions a future where these innovative techniques become a standard part of clinical oncology, improving patient outcomes worldwide. By collaborating with leading scientists and institutions, she seeks to further refine electroporation methodologies and develop novel therapeutic strategies. Her legacy will be one of relentless pursuit of scientific excellence, a commitment to innovation, and a passion for making a meaningful impact in the fight against cancer.

📝Notable Publications

Cytotoxic Activity of Curcumin- and Resveratrol-Loaded Core–Shell Systems in Resistant and Sensitive Human Ovarian Cancer Cells

Author: J. Weżgowiec, Z. Łapińska, Ł. Lamch, M. Wiȩckiewicz, K.A. Wilk
Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Year: 2025

The Additive Effect of 17β-Estradiol on the Modulation of Electrochemotherapy with Calcium Ions or Cisplatin in Human Clear Carcinoma Cells

Author: Z. Łapińska, N. Rembiałkowska, A. Szewczyk, J. Kulbacka, D. Baczyńska
Journal: Biomedicine and Pharmacotherapy
Year: 2024

Electroporation-Derived Melanoma Extracellular Particles Activate Fibroblasts

Author: A. Choromańska, U. Szwedowicz, A. Szewczyk, D. Baczyńska, J. Kulbacka
Journal: BBA – General Subjects
Year: 2024

Application of Gold Nanoparticles for Improvement of Electroporation-Assisted Drug Delivery and Bleomycin Electrochemotherapy

Author: B. Lekešytė, E. Mickevičiūtė, P. Malakauskaitė, J. Novickij, V. Novickij
Journal: Pharmaceutics
Year: 2024