PI: Sebastian Schwaminger
Focus: Nanomaterials for Drug Delivery
A central topic is the use of magnetic nanomaterials for medical and pharmaceutical applications. In particular, iron oxide-based nanomaterials are to be used to enable magnetically controlled drug delivery. In addition to the material properties and the functionalization of the materials, the magnetic transport processes are also examined. The transport in complex fluids, such as those found in blood and other body vessels, is being researched. The aim is to develop stimuli-responsive materials for pharmaceutical agents for cancer treatment. In addition to material science studies and spectroscopic characterizations such as infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), the focus of characterization is also on the biocompatibility of the materials. The interaction of the materials with cells is to be examined, with a special focus on oxidative stress. One focus is on instrumental analysis (HPLC) for the characterization of surface affinity and for the determination of oxidative stress markers.
Network: In addition to the collaboration within the Otto-Loewi Research Center, a strong network within the Medical University of Graz is aspired. Cooperations on national level do exist with Eva Roblegg (KFU Graz), Heidrun Gruber-Wölfler (TU Graz) and Daniel Baumgarten (UMIT). On an international level collaborations with Sonja Berensmeier (TU München), Thomas Becker (TU München), Patricia Dankers (TU Eindhoven), Alan Hatton (MIT), Karin Schwarzenberger (Uni Dresden), as well as I3 Membrane GmbH are cultivated.
