Master degree in Materials Science

Biocompatible polymers with superior complexation properties will be synthesized using safe and renewable starch-derivatives, i.e. cyclodextrins and maltodextrins, as building blocks. The dextrin monomers will be reacted with suitable linkers to produce hyper-branched or crosslinked polymers.

Then, the selected drug will be loaded in the polymer structure. The encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity and release kinetics will be optimized by changing the monomers formulation.

Targeted delivery and stimuli-responsive controlled release will be achieved by adding specific functional groups to the polymer structure.

The list of the potential applications that might be explored, in collaboration with the Department of Drug Science and Technology, include: transdermal delivery of melatonin, glutathione-responsive delivery systems for cancer therapy, gene delivery, enhancement of antivirals efficacy by controlled release, molecularly imprinted polymers for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.