Controlled and targeted drug delivery nanoparticles
Controlled and targeted drug delivery nanoparticles have been prepared using anticancer drugs and biocompatible polymer carriers. The nanocomposites have been functionalised by tumor-homing peptides to target them efficiently to tumor tissues.
In cooperation with the researchers of Goethe University Frankfurt, nerve growth factor- and iron oxide-loaded human serum albumin nanocomposites were prepared for regeneration after stroke. The nanomedicine was capable to cross the blood-brain barrier in in vitro studies, and they also worked as diagnostics due to their role as magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents. The nanocomposites showed much better results in regeneration of brain after cerebral infarction compared to the control experiments.
In the joint R&D project with the EGIS Pharmaceutical Ltd. entitled ‘Research and development of novel galenics and the formation of infrastructure for their production’ antiallergic drug was modified to improve its bioavailability. The initial drug and its derivatives were microencapsulated to nano-structured and nano-sized composite particles. Furthermore, such hydrogels and oil gels containing the drug in solution or nanosuspension were developed that are applicable dermally, and expected to be more efficient than the currently commercially available forms.
Nano-sized composite drug-carrier particles and nanocapsules were developed by emulsion-solvent evaporation, precipitation, ionic gelation and thermosensitive gel formation. Büchi Nano Spray Dryer B-90 is suitable for the preparation of small spherical solid particles from solutions or emulsions. In our laboratory supports for enzyme immobilisation and drug delivery have been manufactured by the nano spray dryer.
Büchi Nano Spray Dryer B-90
Latent heat storing microcapsules
Latent heat storing microcapsules were developed to use them in building and isolating elements in cooperation with the Thermofoam Ltd. in the R&D project ‘Épületek korszerű hőtárolása környezetbarát fázisváltó anyagok alkalmazásával építő- és szigetelőelemekben. Phase change heat storing microcapsules were manufactured by polymerisation in pilot-scale. To overcome the supercooling, the heat storing paraffin mixture was mixed with fatty acids. The microcapsules were moulded into gypsum prototypes. The elements containing the microcapsules, produced by pilot-scale technology, were built into model houses supplied by testers, then, the testing operation was started. Considering the experiences of the pilot operation, technological data were provided to the industrial partner, Thermofoam Ltd. in order to design the experimental factory.
Pilot-scale formation of latent heat storing microcapsules by polymerisation.
To utilize the microcapsules in other applications, a method was developed to dry them with a GEA MM-PSR spray drier in pilot-scale.
GEA MM-PSR GEA MM-PSR spray drier in pilot-scale
Eco-friendly calcium alginate-coconut oil latent heat storing microcapsules of biological origin were prepared and functionalised using silver nanoparticles. The concentration of silver nanoparticles in the capsule shell was varied in the range 1-10 %, while the antimicrobial and antifungal effect of the microcapsules was studied. The silver nanoparticles showed homogeneous distribution in the shell matrix. Above 5 % silver nanoparticle concentration, the capsules had significant antimicrobial and antifungal influence.