Research topics
Drug delivery systems
One of the main research activities on NanoPK Lab is about the development of drug delivery systems to synthetic drugs and natural products (isolated compounds, fraction, and standardized extract) for therapeutic and cosmetic intention. That delivery systems includes polymeric micro and nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, self-emulsified delivery systems, etc. Usually, those delivery systems are characterized not only in their physicochemical properties but also in the effect on biological activity is assessed.
Pharmacokinetics
Since new drug delivery systems induce different properties on the drug not also in its release kinetic but also in all the pharmacokinetic stages (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination) preclinical pharmacokinetic studies are carried out. In recent days, population pharmacokinetic modeling is also developed. Those pharmacokinetic studies are also made for extracts in order to understand the matrix effect in the pharmacokinetic parameters of the active metabolites.
Correlation in vitro / in vivo (CIVIV) studies are also performed in our lab, especially focused on the design of predictable in vitro dissolution tests.
Extract standardization
Since NanoPK Lab works in drug delivery systems of whole extracts, extract standardization is one the research topic achieved extracts optimized in its active metabolites and characterized regards to its physiochemical properties and its stability.
Development of in vitro methodologies
Time optimization is critical in the different stages of the development of delivery systems for human, veterinary, and agricultural products. In NanoPK Lab we developed new in vitro methodologies that allow the assessment as screening several possible formulations, leading to the in vivo evaluation of the most promising delivery system.
Biological studies
In collaboration with different research groups, some members of NanoPK Lab, evaluate biological activities of natural products by using both, in vitro and in vivo models. Assessment of intestinal and topical permeability is also performed at our lab.