The objective is to design and develop advanced nanosystems, including lyotropic liquid crystals and microemulsions, with promising applications for drug delivery via oral and nasal routes. These systems are engineered to exhibit mucoadhesive properties, facilitating the incorporation of pharmaceutical compounds, peptides, and bioactive substances. Their aim is to improve or enhance therapeutic outcomes in the treatment of oral health conditions such as oral cancer, candidiasis, dental biofilm, and tooth decay.

Furthermore, these delivery systems are intended to enable targeted brain delivery through the nasal route, providing an efficient and minimally invasive pathway for administering drugs and biomolecules. This approach holds significant potential for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders and brain tumours, offering an innovative solution to challenges in achieving effective drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier.

The research line “Synthesis, Formulation, Characterisation, and Performance of Materials for Drug Delivery, Cosmetics, and Vaccines” represents a dynamic and multidisciplinary field aimed at developing innovative materials for a wide range of biomedical applications. Through the synthesis, formulation, characterisation, and performance evaluation of these materials, the goal is to achieve significant advancements in drug delivery systems, cosmetic products, and vaccine development.

A strategic focus on the utilisation of polymers, lipids, and carbohydrates plays a pivotal role in the creation of both conventional pharmaceutical forms—such as films, gels, dispersions, and creams—and advanced systems based on nanoparticles. These include liposomes, micro- and nanoemulsions, lipid nanoparticles, and polymeric and/or polysaccharide-based nanoparticles.

Characterisation of these materials is a critical step in research, development, and innovation (R&D&I), involving advanced techniques in physicochemical, chemical, pharmaceutical, and biological analysis. This step aims to elucidate their structural, morphological, and functional properties, which are essential for optimising their performance and ensuring their safety and efficacy.

Our studies particularly focus on applications for managing pain, inflammation, and neurological disorders, employing preclinical challenge models in mice. Additionally, the research includes the development of innovative solutions for addressing specific biomedical challenges, such as advanced drug delivery systems and next-generation cosmetics. Moreover, the work seeks to design safer and more effective vaccines that meet the needs of contemporary healthcare.

In summary, this multidisciplinary research line strives to create cutting-edge materials with applications ranging from efficient drug delivery and state-of-the-art cosmetic formulations to the development of vaccines that enhance both efficacy and safety, offering transformative potential across diverse biomedical contexts

Thia research line focuses on creating innovative microneedles using biocompatible materials such as polymers and carbohydrates, for controlled drug delivery devices. Microneedles offer numerous advantages over traditional needles, being less painful as they penetrate only the superficial layers of the skin, significantly reducing patient discomfort. Furthermore, their self-administrable nature allows for the application of medications by patients or caregivers, eliminating the need for specialised healthcare professionals.

In veterinary applications, microneedles provide notable benefits, including more efficient and less stressful vaccine administration for animals, as well as the delivery of antiparasitic and antibiotic treatments. For chronic conditions such as arthritis and diabetes, microneedles enable controlled and sustained drug release, improving disease management. Additionally, they play a role in alleviating pain and inflammation.

The integration of microneedles with nanotechnological systems brings further advantages, such as enhanced delivery of larger doses of active molecules, maintenance of stable therapeutic levels over extended periods, and improved stability of active pharmaceutical ingredients, including proteins and antigens. This synergistic approach aims to boost therapeutic efficacy, minimise side effects, and optimise drug delivery for both human and animal health.

This research line focuses on the development of novel formulations based on nanoparticles and controlled release systems, aiming to enhance the therapeutic efficacy and bioavailability of drugs. The studies encompass the investigation of the physical and chemical interactions between these innovative formulations and biological systems—including cells, tissues, and organs—to better understand and optimise their therapeutic performance.

An additional goal is the design of mucoadhesive formulations capable of adhering to the body’s mucosal surfaces, such as the oral, nasal, and vaginal mucosae, as well as to external surfaces like the skin. These formulations aim to extend the residence time of drugs at the site of application, thereby improving their absorption and/or transport.

The research also emphasises the identification, extraction from natural sources, or synthesis of polymers with mucoadhesive properties, such as chitosan, alginate, and polyacrylate. These polymers are employed in the development of effective drug delivery systems and nanoparticle-based platforms, enabling precise and efficient medication administration.