IB012C - MATERIALS, TECHNOLOGIES AND PROCESSES FOR NANOMEDICINE

The course begins with an introduction to the basic concepts of drug delivery and nanomedicine, starting from the definition and history of nanomedicine and discussing its current and future applications. The historical notes on the development of engineered pharmaceutical forms are explored in depth and the various forms of drug release already on the market are explored.



The physical and chemical properties of the materials used for drug delivery, the synthesis and characterization methods, and the implications of the materials in the development and engineering of pharmaceutical forms are analyzed. Applications of drug delivery systems for molecular imaging and diagnostics are explored, introducing the concepts of Point of Care (POC) testing and nanomaterial-based technologies.


The course covers various types of drug delivery systems, including nanocapsules, liposomes, polymers, metals and hybrid materials, for controlled drug release. Principles of pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics are also explored, including prodrugs and types of transport across membranes.

Students learn the manufacturing techniques, scalability and industrial production of drug delivery systems, including controlled diffusion and controlled dissolution drug delivery systems. Microscopy and spectroscopy techniques, the analysis of surface properties, and methods of characterizing drug delivery systems are explored.
The technologies that will of particular interest are focused on:

Additive manufacturing techniques, including the 3D printing of drug delivery systems and the creation of Organ-on-a-chip.
High-performance emulsification techniques, including microfluidics and microdroplet generation and high-pressure systems.
Batch synthesis of polymeric nanoparticles and nanohydrogels.


The course covers drug delivery systems for tissue regeneration and tissue engineering, delving into the techniques and materials used in this emerging field. Drug delivery systems for modulating the immune system are also being studied, including nanoparticle-based vaccines and other advanced immunological therapies.


It covers toxicity assessment, rules and regulations, and biodegradation of polymers used in drug delivery systems and diagnostic devices. Clinical studies and case studies relating to drug delivery systems are discussed, with a focus on the translation from research to the clinic and the release of drugs at the level of different anatomical districts.


The course explores technological and scientific barriers in the field of drug delivery and discusses research and development opportunities, including programmable drug delivery systems and innovative forms of delivery.

Finally, students develop a research project on a topic chosen from those proposed by the teacher. The project involves the proposal of an innovative engineered system for the release of a drug and the discussion of the state of the art relating to the chosen topic. The final document will be discussed in an oral exam.