Periodic Reporting for period 1 - NanoPol (Soft Biocompatible Polymeric Nanostructures: A Toolbox for Novel Generation of Nano Pharmaceuticals in Ophthalmology)
Berichtszeitraum: 2019-03-01 bis 2022-12-31
Theoretical modelling of the solution properties of molecular brushes with ionically charged side chains and of self-organized solution nanostructures and cross-linked or self-assembled gels formed by amphiphilic graft-copolymers was also performed.
In vitro studies focused on mucoadhesive formulations of pilocarpine and the complexation between ofloxacin as a model ophthalmic drug and gellan gum. Ex vivo approaches to study diffusion and gelation of polymer formulations following injections into the eye were also developed. Finally, liposomal carriers with improved retention on the ocular surface and hydrogels and liposomes for the posterior area of the eye were studies in vivo.
The industrial implementation of the materials and processes is being explored by the industrial project partners and the project results were disseminated in a large number of publications in scientific journals and in conference presentations.
Four Master thesis and two PhD thesis have been completed so far based on the project results. A project website was developed, a Linkedin page for the project has been created, 2 popular articles were published, a video at youtube was produced and the researchers participated at the Researchers Night (2022) to disseminate the project results to the general public.
Among the projects’ goals is the design of new and safe (bio)materials that can be produced and commercialized in formulations for controlled ocular drug release. The outputs of the NanoPol project is being exploited following a continuous identification, monitoring and qualification of the obtained results that are either kept confidential to be legally protected (via patents and licenses to ensure intellectual property for instance) and/or transferred to third parties.
The dissemination/communication activities of the project aim to increase the awareness of the public, and in particular the younger people, about the work performed by the network and its social impact. They will also help to attract younger people to scientific careers and improve the profile and image of science to the general public.