Our laboratory addresses a wide range of topics in drug delivery, developing whatever approach seems most apposite. This has included polymeric and other microparticles and nanoparticles, liposomes, hydrogels, targeted particles, macroscopic devices, and combinations of the above. We have a very active research program in nanomedicine.

Some particular areas of interest include:

Hover over the topics above for details

This is the longest-running area of research in our laboratory. We have designed and developed a range of formulations to produce prolonged nerve blockade, including drugs in free solution, or associated with chemical permeation enhancers, micro-and nanoparticles, hydrogels, and others drug delivery systems. We have a particular interest in means of preventing or at least mitigating the development of neuropathic pain.

We are studying a range of topics including nanoparticulate drug delivery systems, nanostructured engineered tissues, and nanoscale sensors. These are further applied in triggered and/or targeted systems, as well as tissue engineering applications. Our interests extend to the use of inorganic nanomaterials.

The ability to deliver drugs – and drug-containing particles – specifically to target tissues has the potential to enhance therapeutic effect and reduce systemic toxicity. We have developed particles that are directed to their targets by light, ligands, or both.

The ability to trigger drug release from a device (i.e. on-demand drug delivery) can enable control over the exact timing (onset and offset) and magnitude of therapeutic effect, and also provide spatiotemporal control which can enhance the therapeutic index. We have developed nano-, micro-, and macroscopic triggerable drug delivery systems that respond to external energy sources including light, ultrasound, and magnetism.

We are looking at light as a trigger and targeting for drug delivery systems, as well as for surface reactions.

We are interested in methods for getting drugs into the middle ear by non-invasive means using a range of drug delivery technologies.

We have an active interest in the use of inorganic nanomaterials for a range of applications including triggerable nanomaterials and surfaces, bio-applications of nanoelectronics, and tissue-engineered nanocomposites.

We have an ongoing project to develop contact lenses that elute drugs for days to weeks, improving drug delivery and mitigating the problems associated with patient compliance. Other projects relate to drug delivery to the back of the eye using nanoparticles, hydrogels, and drug conjugates.