Institute for Pharmacy
Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics
The Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics focuses on drug delivery and drug targeting, innovative carrier systems and materials, tissue engineering, as well as pharmacokinetic and predictive models for the biodistribution of active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients.
Research areas
Smart Drug Delivery Systems for Overcoming Biological Barriers
Modern precision medicine enables highly specific interventions in disease mechanisms through gene and antibody therapies (e.g., mRNA, CRISPR/Cas). While clinical solutions already exist for the liver or solid tumors, the central nervous system (CNS) remains largely isolated due to the physiological barrier function of the blood-brain barrier. Overcoming this barrier requires precise alignment between the physicochemical design of the drug carrier and the complex cellular architecture and receptor topographies of the target tissues.
Focus of the Departmentof Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics
Our research focuses on the development, manufacturing, and scaling of tailored nanoparticulate drug carriers (e.g., polymer and lipid nanoparticles, liposomes, exosomes). This includes correlating factors such as charge and surface functionalization with tissue-specific tropism and cellular uptake mechanisms. Our overarching goal is to develop a platform for clinically translational technologies that enable the navigable and efficient application of highly specific drugs for the treatment of CNS and renal diseases, among others.
For the CNS targeting of mRNA and antibodies in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, we manufacture lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), polymer nanoparticles, and biomimetic exosomes. Their critical quality attributes—such as size, loading, and stability—are controlled based on selected process parameters and manufacturing methodologies (emulsion precipitation, microfluidics). Subsequent verification of CNS penetration is conducted through in vitro permeation studies and in vivo bioimaging to quantitatively and qualitatively assess the extent of transport. Using confocal microscopy and histochemistry, we visualize the exact localization of fluorescence-labeled particles in brain tissue and their intracellular uptake.
The department utilizes numerous in vitro (e.g., primary endothelial cell cultures, intestinal epithelial cell lines, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), Transwell® studies), ex vivo (brain capillaries), and in vivo models (blood-brain barrier, blood-urine barrier, GIT barrier models) to predict the permeation, biodistribution, and toxicity of new drug formulations. We also specifically investigate the functionality and expression patterns of transporters, receptors (e.g., Lrp1, transferrin receptor), and tight junctions (e.g., ZO-1, claudin-5) to customize particle design for individual requirements.
For the treatment of congenitally acquired nephropathies (e.g., focal segmental glomerulosclerosis), we test quantum dots and polyplexes made from biomaterials to address the proximal tubule. Using zebrafish, Fundulus, and killifish as model systems for renal diseases and aging processes, these systems are evaluated regarding their functionality, specificity, and distribution.
Facilities & equipment
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing & Process Engineering
- Rotary Tablet Press – RPH (Horn | Fette Compacting)
- Desktop Tablet Press – TDP 5 (LFA Machines)
- Fluidized Bed System – Mini-Glatt (Glatt)
- Powder Mixer – VM Lab Mixer (LFA Machines)
- High-Performance Disperser – T 25 digital ULTRA-TURRAX® (IKA)
Magistral Preparation – Galenics & Compounding
- Compounding System – TOPITEC® AUTOMATIC (WEPA)
- Compounding System – gako unguator PRO (Gako)
Pharmaceutical Analysis & Characterization
- Particle Analyzer – DynaPro™ ZetaStar™ (Waters | Wyatt)
- SEC-MALS System (Waters | Wyatt)
- Viscometer – HAAKE Viscotester 550 (Thermo Scientific)
- Karl Fischer Titrator – TitroLine® 7500 KF (SI Analytics)
Quality Control
- Dissolution Tester – AT Xtend™ (Sotax)
- Disintegration Tester – ZT 322 (Erweka)
- Friability Tester – PTF 20ER (Pharma Test)
- Tablet Tester (Hardness Tester) – MT50 (Sotax)
- Tapped Density Tester – TD1 (Sotax)
Kooperationen
Professor Dr. rer. nat. Gert Fricker, Ruprecht-Karls University of Heidelberg, Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics
Professor Dr. rer. nat. Claus Pietrzik, University Medical Center Mainz, Institute of Pathobiochemistry, Department of Molecular Neurodegeneration
Professor Dr. med. Hermann Haller, Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory, Maine, USA
Services
Interested in collaborating with our institute? We offer the following services:
- Formulation development for lipophilic drugs / mRNA: polymer- / lipid-based nanoparticles / liposomes (parenteral administration)
- Cell- and organ-specific targeting
- Release measurements (flow-through cell, Ph.Eur. 2.9.3)
- In vitro model systems for the blood-brain barrier, kidney, GIT, and liver (Transwell® permeation studies for predicting the distribution/accumulation of drugs/formulations)
- Ex vivo model systems for the blood-brain barrier, kidney, and GIT (transport studies/accumulation of fluorescently labeled drugs/formulations using confocal microscopy)
- Trans-epithelial/endothelial resistance measurements (evaluation of paracellular integrity)
- Transporter assays for assessing drug resistance (ABC transporters, solute carriers)
- Toxicity studies (LDH, MTT, JC-1)
- Plasma binding studies (dialysis-based)
Contact person
Institute of Pharmacy Salzburg