Pharmaceutical Technology

Research themes and Projects

• Design, preparation and optimization through "design of experiment" (DoE) strategies of lipid and polymeric micro- and nano-carriers, for the delivery of natural, synthetic, semi-synthetic and/or non-Lepinsky molecules of pharmaceutical, cosmetic and/or agri-food interest (C. Carbone, L.   Montenegro, T. Musumeci, R. Pignatello, C. Puglia, M.G. Sarpietro).
• Technological and physico-chemical characterization of new polymeric biomaterials suitable for the delivery and targeting of drugs (T. Musumeci, R. Pignatello).
• Study of the interaction and absorption of drugs and prodrugs by biomembrane models using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and interfacial tension measurements (Langmuir-Blodgett) (F. Castelli, M.G. Sarpietro)
• Physico-chemical and technological characterization of the above systems: conventional analytical techniques (HPLC, TLC, dialysis, PCS / DLS, etc.); loading and release/permeation studies using Franz type diffusion cells   or dialysis; conventional physico-chemical analyzes (DSC, FTIR, NMR, etc.).
• Mid/long-term storage stability of innovative formulations:
  • Stability studies of colloidal systems using Turbiscan® AGS technology: multiple dispersion analysis using Turbiscan Lab Expert equipped with Aging Station, with the possibility of thermostating the samples at 3 different temperatures;                                
  • Freeze-drying and cryoprotection studies of prepared systems.
  • Sterilization studies of the nanotechnological formulations produced.

• Central nervous system (CNS) targeting: crossing of the blood-brain barrier (BEE) or BEE bypassing by nasal administration
• Ophthalmic administration
• Dermal and transdermal administration
• Treatment of cancer: diagnostics and therapy
• Oral administration and colonic targeting.

Staff