- Docente: Paolo Blasi
- Credits: 3
- SSD: CHEM-08/A
- Language: English
- Moduli: Paolo Blasi (Modulo 1) Isabella Orienti (Modulo 2)
- Teaching Mode: In-person learning (entirely or partially) In-person learning (entirely or partially) (Modulo 1); In-person learning (entirely or partially) (Modulo 2)
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (cod. 6820)
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from Oct 01, 2026 to Nov 19, 2026
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from Nov 24, 2026 to Nov 27, 2026
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. Paolo Blasi)
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. Isabella Orienti)
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
ADVANCED DRUG DELIVERY - methods and applications. Edited by Tuhin Subhra Santra and Ashwini Uma Surendra Shinde. Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2023.
DRUG DELIVERY AND TARGETING. Edited by Monika Schäfer-Korting and Ulrich S. Schubert. Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024.
Teaching methods
Lessons and Laboratory activity
Assessment methods
Written and Oral Exams
Teaching tools
Teaching materials (e.g., scientific articles) and slides shown during the course are available online.
Office hours
See the website of Paolo Blasi
See the website of Isabella Orienti