The Functional Nanoparticles Research Group is operated jointly by the Institute of Materials and Environmental Chemistry of the Research Centre for Natural Sciences (Budapest, Hungary) and the Research Institute of Biomolecular and Chemical Engineering at the University of Pannonia (Veszprém, Hungary). Important research direction of the research group is the formation, investigation and application of functional nano- and microparticles. Nanostructured composite carrier systems have been developed using biocompatible and biodegradable polymers in order to form controlled and targeted drug delivery devices. Emulsion methods, precipitation, spherical agglomeration and crystallisation are generally used techniques in the group. The prepared nano- and microparticles are thoroughly studied. Size distribution of the particles is investigated with laser diffraction and dynamic light scattering methods; zeta potential is determined by electrophoretic light scattering and morphology is examined with scanning and transmission electron microscopy. In vitro and in vivo drug release studies provide data for pharmacokinetic analysis.

Another key topic of the group is the development of eco-friendly latent heat storing microcapsules composed of phase change materials and natural carriers, and their application in energy saving building elements as well as in heat storing and isolating systems. Thermoanalytical characterisation of the latent heat storing microcapsules is carried out by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry.

Beside nanotechnology, conventional particle technology processes such as crystallization, drying, mixing, grinding, granulation, spherical agglomeration and coating are also in the main focus of the group. These techniques have been used for powder formulation in the cooperation of pharmaceutical-, food-, biotechnological- and environmental industrial and agricultural partners.