90829 - Nanoformulation of Biologicals

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student has theoretical knowledge and practical skills related to the formulation of pharmaceutical nanosystems. In particular, the student: - is able to describe the different types of nanosystems in terms of typology, characteristics and clinical applications; - knows the strategies to improve the therapeutic efficacy of biological drugs through the modification of their biodistribution, release and permeation through biological barriers; - has practical skills related to technological approaches for the production of pharmaceutical nanosystems.

Course contents

Module 1: Nanosystems for drug targeting (Prof. Isabella Orienti)
Drug targeting. Passive targeting. Active targeting. Physical targeting. Polymeric nanoparticulate systems, solid lipid nanoparticles dendrimers, liposomes, macromolecular systems and self-assembling polymers. Gene-delivery systems. Physico-chemical characteristics of the drug-delivery systems, preparation technology and functiona characteristics.Physico-chemical properties of the excipients correlable with the release characteristics.

Module 2: Laboratory (Prof. Paolo Blasi)

The laboratory course contemplates the preparation and the characterization of pharmaceutical nanosystems employed in drug delivery and targeting of biologicals. During the laboratory activities, Students will be involved in the preparation of vesicles (liposomes), polymeric nanoparticles (PLA, PLGA, chitosan) and metal nanoparticles (silver and gold).

Readings/Bibliography

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Teaching methods

Lessons and Laboratory activity

Assessment methods

Oral exam

Teaching tools

Slides on virtuale

Office hours

See the website of Isabella Orienti

See the website of Paolo Blasi