Ian Wark Research Institute
ARC Special Research Centre
ARC Special Research Centre
Research Area: Colloid science, pharmaceutical chemistry
Supervisors: Prof Clive Prestidge
and Prof Allan Evan (Pharmacy and Medical Sciences)
Description: Colloids and nanoparticles are commonly employed as carriers for active pharmaceuticals and are increasingly used for topical, oral, ocular and parenteral (intravenous or intramuscular) drug delivery1. In the search for novel drug delivery vehicles it has become highly desirable to modify the surface chemistry and structure of a carrier system for improved stability (in vitro and in vivo) and to facilitate controlled and targeted release characteristics. Conventionally, polymers and surfactants are used for surface modification of colloidal delivery systems; however these may result in only limited control of drug release and non-ideal stability in the bio-environment, e.g. low pH of the stomach. Nanoparticle coatings2 offers an alternative with numerous potential advantages over molecular coatings and will be further explored in this project.
Right: A nanoparticle coated emulsion droplet system
Experiment Approach: A range of nanoparticle coated drug delivery systems based on emulsions and liposomes will be prepared and characterised using a wide range of colloid and surface techniques. These devices will be loaded with both water soluble (hydrophilic) and water insoluble (hydrophobic) therapeutic agents (including proteins and anti-cancer drugs). The role of the nanoparticle coating in controlling drug release and in protecting the drug from the biological environment will be investigated through a range of in vitro and in vivo methods. New opportunities in colloid-based pharmaceutical delivery will be exploited.
References
1. 'Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms: Dispersed Systems', HA Lieberman, MM Rieger and GS Banker (Eds), (1996), Marcel Dekker, Inc, New York, Vols 1 and 2.
2. S. Simovic and C. A. Prestidge, 'Hydrophilic Silica Nanoparticles at the PDMS Droplet-Water Interface', Langmuir, 19, 3785-3792, 2003 and
'Hydrophobic Silica Nanoparticles at the PDMS Droplet-Water Interface', Langmuir, 19, 8364-8370, 2003.
Funding: International students should apply for an International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (IPRS) and a UniSA President's Scholarship (UPS). To be eligible for UPS, applicants must have a supervisor willing to nominate them for consideration.
Australian students should apply for an Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) and a UniSA Australian Postgraduate Research Award
(USAPRA).
