EMUs for nanoparticle systems research: processes and biological assessment. Acquisition of equipment for microfluidics and freeze-drying processes, particle size analysis, microscopic and in vitro evaluation (permeation and by organ-on-chip systems).

• Grant number: 23/17440-5
• Support Opportunities: Research Infrastructure Program - Small Medium Sized
• Start date: September 01, 2024
• End date: August 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Technology
• Principal Investigator: Maria Vitória Lopes Badra Bentley
• Grantee: Maria Vitória Lopes Badra Bentley
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Alline Cristina de Campos ; Fabiana Testa Moura de Carvalho Vicentini ; Lorena Rigo Gaspar Cordeiro ; Patrícia Maria Berardo Gonçalves Maia Campos ; Pio Colepicolo Neto ; Renata Fonseca Vianna Lopez ; Susanne Rath

Abstract

The present proposal for EMU PMP is the exploration of multidisciplinary and innovative research themes, related to Pharmaceutical Sciences and the areas covered by Nanotechnology and Biotechnology. Research in the area of Pharmaceutical Sciences and its areas of coverage, especially Nanotechnology, requires increasingly accurate and specific methodological approaches and evaluations so that products can represent effective and innovative therapeutic potential. The understanding and determination of toxicity, safety and efficacy of pharmaceutical, cosmetic, veterinary and agricultural products based on Nanotechnology and Biotechnology are regulatory bottlenecks for the commercialization of these products. Allied to this, there are the scientific advances that are carried out by the USP community and outside it. These advances must be supported by cutting-edge infrastructure and supported by a highly qualified technical team.Differentiated imaging tools for the characterization of nanoparticles and for studies of the interaction of nanoparticles and molecules with biological systems are very relevant for these evaluations and require advanced and multidisciplinary equipment infrastructure, as the development of a product with embedded nanotechnology requires physical evaluations. -accurate chemical, morphological, biological. These assessments are requiring biological environments/media, in vitro tests that simulate in vivo conditions, production processes and analyzes with small sample volumes. Allied to this are innovative therapies (gene, cellular) and biotechnology products, which require sophisticated analyzes using state-of-the-art equipment. In this sense, it proposes the acquisition of PMP EMUs and accessories that will include experiments and analyzes of release systems in biological environments, the use of microfluidics to obtain nanoparticles and biological evaluation in organs on chips. Furthermore, production processes such as lyophilization generate biological and gene therapy medicines in the form of lyophilic powder, thus, the acquisition of a research lyophilizer that allows monitoring/controlling the process in real time, including inside the medicine bottle, represents advances in research in the field of Pharmacy.Finally, we emphasize that the set of EMUs requested in this proposal will complement the FCFRP-USP multi-user infrastructure and will make special analyzes available to the scientific and business community in the State of São Paulo. (AU)