Epidermis-targeted drug-loaded nanoparticles for the treatment of psoriasis

The research project constituting the body of the present thesis involves multidisciplinary skills. The focal point consists on the synthesis of novel polymeric biomaterials and realization of biocompatible polymeric nanoparticles and hydrogel designed for the controlled release of active principles. New dosage forms designed for controlled and targeted delivery of bioactive agents represent at present the best approach for maximization of the therapeutic efficacy, minimization of the adverse effects of drugs and administration of labile molecule otherwise degraded under conventional route. The PhD research activity is focused on the following three main topics aimed at: (I) Synthesis and characterization of a novel amphiphilic copolymer with hydrophobic poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) branches and a hydrophilic poly(methacryloylglycylglycine) (p(MAGG)) chain; (II) Preparation and characterization of nanoparticles formulation based on chitosan (CS) and poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) as vehicles for the topical sustained delivery of Methotrexate (MTX); (III) Development of injectable hydrogels based on chitosan (CS) and hyaluronic acid (HA) loaded with nanoparticles based on poly[(R)-3-hydroxybutyrate-co-(R)-3-hydroxyhexanoate] (PHBHHx) for the sustained controlled delivery of dexamethasone (DEXA).