Nanotechnology

Our laboratory is dedicated to advancing drug delivery through the use of nanotechnology. We employ a variety of techniques to enhance drug efficacy, including designing chiral nanocarriers that can selectively interact with biomolecules and enable precise control over drug targeting and biodistribution. We also modify the physicochemical properties of drugs to impart desired characteristics to the final dosage form. Our team focuses on developing nanometric drug delivery systems that are readily bioavailable for different administration routes. To evaluate the effectiveness of our delivery systems on living tissues, we use mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) (as described below).

In addition to developing new drug delivery systems, we are also actively addressing the common challenges associated with nanoparticle synthesis, such as uncontrollable crystallization and crystal growth, particle aggregation and size increase, loss of API activity, insufficient carrier biocompatibility and biodegradability, among others.

Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI)

Our laboratory utilizes mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) to investigate a broad range of physiological processes occurring in organs due to various pathophysiological factors and drug delivery. MSI is a highly effective tool for directly measuring the distribution of molecules in tissue sections. This technique is unique in that it enables us to obtain a high-resolution view of the distribution of various substances in organs at different time points, without requiring prior knowledge of their presence or the use of fluorescent or radioactive labels. With this technique, we are able to visualize hundreds of molecular species simultaneously, which can provide insight into the subtlest physiological processes affected by pathological conditions or external interventions such as drug delivery. Specifically, we aim to investigate metabolic changes accompanying disease progression, such as those in various types of cancer, as well as their response to drug treatment. Our goal is to identify novel therapeutic targets that may be crucial for disease initiation and progression.

Moreover, we use MSI to monitor drug delivery efficiency, including tracking the release and distribution of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), co-localization of APIs and their carriers, the impact of these compounds on disease progression, and the potential for adverse effects on target and adjacent organs. We also aim to identify treatment-predictive biomarkers and stratify drug delivery. Additionally, we develop unique delivery systems for topical and cosmetic active materials and use MSI to immediately visualize their permeation into the skin and distribution in various skin layers. This enables us to obtain immediate feedback on the effectiveness of the developed delivery system.