Descripción del proyecto
El poder curativo de los cristales: los cristales orgánicos como árbitros de la liberación sostenida
Los científicos invierten bastante tiempo y trabajo, y las empresas mucho dinero, en desarrollar compuestos que tratan de manera eficaz determinadas enfermedades o trastornos. Desarrollar una fórmula mágica es solo una parte del problema. Si no se puede beber, la fórmula no sirve para nada. Por lo tanto, se requiere un «recipiente», esto es, un mecanismo de administración. Muchos de los ingredientes activos de los fármacos, nutracéuticos y agroquímicos adolecen de una mala solubilidad o biodisponibilidad. Actualmente, se emplean excipientes sintéticos, agentes tensioactivos y polímeros especiales para mejorar las fórmulas, así como su absorción y eficacia. No obstante, se necesita una alternativa más ecológica, y la clave podría residir en los cristales orgánicos. En el proyecto CryForm, financiado con fondos europeos, se están desarrollando los conocimientos necesarios para emplear cristales naturales para una liberación sostenida de ingredientes activos, lo que beneficiará a los pacientes y al medio ambiente.
Objetivo
CryForm aims at progressing our fundamental knowledge in organic materials crystallization and crystal engineering by: (1) gleaning a mechanistic understanding of the relationship between crystal structure and surface properties; (2) uncovering the thermodynamic and kinetic mechanisms of crystal nucleation and growth at liquid/liquid and liquid/gas interfaces; (3) understanding the role of large biomolecules in the modification of crystal growth and nucleation kinetics. This knowledge will enable the design of novel sustainable, biocompatible and stimuli responsive multiphase formulations (e.g. emulsions, foams) for the encapsulation and controlled release of active ingredients. Developing formulations with enhanced dissolution rate and bioavailability is critical for many industrial sectors: about 40% of the active pharmaceutical ingredients on the market and 60% of the ones in development are poorly soluble or scarcely bioavailable. Agrochemicals and food nutraceuticals present similar problems. Currently, synthetic excipients, surfactants and specialty polymers are used to create formulations with enhanced properties. However, these compounds are derived from non-renewable resources through some of the most greenhouse gas-intensive manufacturing processes. The production and incineration of polymeric materials will produce, in 2019, more than 850 million metric tons of greenhouse gases. Furthermore, the chemical synthesis of many polymers involves highly toxic, flammable and polluting reagents such as ethylene oxide, responsible for the 2004 explosion at Sterigenics International in California. It is clearly necessary to move away from polymer-based formulations and find more sustainable and safer alternatives. CryForm proposes a unique approach whereby synthetic additives will be replaced with natural crystals specifically engineered to enable controlled release of active ingredients via a unique mechanism based on stimuli-triggered solid form transformations.
Ámbito científico
- engineering and technologymechanical engineeringmanufacturing engineering
- engineering and technologymaterials engineeringcrystals
- medical and health sciencesbasic medicinepharmacology and pharmacypharmaceutical drugs
- natural scienceschemical sciencespolymer sciences
- engineering and technologyenvironmental engineeringwaste managementwaste treatment processes
Programa(s)
Régimen de financiación
ERC-STG - Starting GrantInstitución de acogida
10129 Torino
Italia