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Pharmaceutical Technology, Nanotechnology, Drug Delivery & Biopharmacy

The research focus of the institute is based on: Cellular Stress and Tissue Dysfunction which in detail involves: - Cardiovascular Stress and Cytoprotective Drugs - Anti-Infective and Anti-Inflammatory Drugs - Anti-Cancer Drugs - Pharmaceutical Micro- and Nano-Technology

 

Focus:

 

The main research interest of our group is focused on the development of pharmaceutical preparations for nucleic acids and peptide drugs based on new approaches of pharmaceutical nanotechnology.Nucleic acid drugs such as oligonucleotides, siRNA, are representing a new class of substances used for several therapeutic targets including viral infections and cancer. In contrast to the approach of gene therapy which involves the replacement and substitution of genetic material, antisense drugs or siRNA do not alter or substitute the endogenous genetic material during the antisense therapy. These oligonucleotides are effective blocking agents of the protein expression with a high sequence specificity. Single stranded modified DNA oligonucleotides are often used in typical antisense trials whereas siRNA is used more fequently in latest research projects.Unfortunately, all oligonucleotide drugs - DNA or RNA - are considered to be degraded by nucleases and they exhibit only a weak permeation through biological cell membranes resulting a poor bioavailability. Therefore, a strong need exists for delivery systems which protect the antisense drugs from enzymatic digestion and provide an enhanced transfection to the cytoplasm of the target cells. Additionally, these carrier could be active targeting instruments transporting the antisense drugs only to specific cell types of the organism.Until now, colloidal drug delivery systems based on liposomes and nanoparticles are under evaluation. Cationically charged vesicles were found to be potent tools to create complex structures between DNA and the lipid phase. Equivalent results were obtained for particles based on acrylates and/or dextrans. Additionally, artificial viral capsid structures are an innovative concept for antisense drug application and they appear to be an interesting new drug delivery system.The latest improvements in drug delivery are Protamine-Oligonucleotide-Particles - so called Proticles. These colloids are potent transport vehicles for oligonucleotides as well as for peptides and proteins. Several co-operations are initiated with other research groups located in Graz to investigate the purpose of these promissing nanoparticles.

 

Research projects:

 

1. Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology: The projects are sponsored by the Austrian Nano Initiative, the FWF and FFG. The projects are organized by www.bionanonet.at . New peptide based delivery systems are under investigation as drug delivery systems and diagnostics. These nanoparticles are called Proticles (Protamine-Oligonucleotide-Particles) and are an interesting new delivery approach for antisense compounds, siRNA as well as for peptides and proteins. Current projects include stem cell tracking, VIP Depot formulations for pulmonary delivery, and are part of nanoHealth.

2. Cellular test-systems are developed especially for siRNA constructs linked to proteins as carriers. Down-regulation of protein levels are studied on a brain tumor model. Co-workers in this field are Wolfgang Sattler and Eva Bernhart, Medical University Graz. Funding is provided by the FFG Bridge Program.

3. Pharmaceutical Engineering is the topic of the recently founded Competence Center RCPE. Project are focussed on upscaling of nanoparticle production, protein formulations and new Drug Delivery Systems based on cellulose.

4. EuroNanoTox is a project coordinated by the BionanoNet. Our contribution is based on literature databases available bynanoTRUST and in vitro toxicity tests for drug formulations.

5. Depot-Formulations for colloidal drugs and special micropellets are a new research area founded in Graz. Currently drug formulations based on lipophilic matrices dispersed in thixotropic liquids are under investigation.
6. Antisense Therapy with Drug Delivery Vehicles of our group is combined with new strategies in Photodynamic Therapy against tumors. This project was part of the Pharmacy DFG-Graduiertenkolleg at the Biocenter Frankfurt together with Manfred Schubert-Zsilavecz and the ILM, Ulm

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