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Novel methods for the development of pharmaceutical nanoparticles

Research Area: Pharmaceuticals, Delivery systems and particle and interface science

Degree: Honours

Supervisor: Prof Clive Prestidge

Description: Pharmaceutical nanoparticles are being increasingly used as drug delivery systems and have a number of advantages over more conventional delivery systems: 

• Excellent administration performance via oral, injection or dermal routes 
• Enhanced bioavailability and a high level of pharmacological action 
• Applications in controlled and targeted delivery (e.g. for gene therapy) 
• May be stabilised to give long shelf lives.

Right: Electron micrograph of pharmaceutical nanoparticles

Microemulsions, liposomes and colloidal crystals have all been used as pharmaceutical nanoparticles and have been shown to be effective delivery systems. However, the preparation methodology for such delivery systems is still in its infancy and in general a specific preparation route is required for each new drug system. Hence, development times are long and development costs are inherently high. New methods for the preparation of pharmaceutical nanoparticles are clearly required. A greater understanding of the physicochemical processes occurring during preparation is a pre-requisite. 

Aims and Significance of Project: This project aims to study and interpret how particle and interfacial science methods can be used to develop novel pharmaceutical nanoparticles for applications as inhalable, injectable and oral delivery systems. Particular emphasis will be placed on development routes that will facilitate effective scale-up during manufacture. E.g. Conventional crystallization routes for active pharmaceutical molecules generally result in particles of tens of microns in dimensions. These have applications as tablets or suspensions for oral delivery, but limited potential for delivery through inhalation or injection. Both chemical control and physical control methods will be explored to produce pharmaceutical nanoparticles with desirable structural and functionality characteristics. 

Research Approach and Methodology: One research approach to be investigated in the proposed project will be to investigate the application of emulsion systems for the preparation of pharmaceutical nanoparticles. In particular: 

• Macro-emulsions, mini-emulsions and micro-emulsions will be used as vehicles for the preparation of nanoparticles of a model drug compound. For example, a water-soluble drug will be incorporated into a water-in-oil emulsion; this emulsion will be exposed to a temperature treatment to induce crystallization within the water droplets. Surface active agents will enhance this process. 
• Nano-particle characterisation. The surface electrical properties (microelectrophoresis and electroacoustics), size and size distribution (dynamic and static light scattering), crystalline properties (X-ray diffraction) and morphology (scanning/transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy) of the nanoparticles will be investigated. 
• The colloid stability of the pharmaceutical nanoparticles will be explored using light scattering methods, with particular emphasis on optimising shelf life, enhancing bioactivity and streamlining the development of an effective route for manufacture.
• Opportunities for delivery will also be explored. 

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