| EPSRC Reference: |
EP/H021477/1 |
| Title: |
Nanotechnologies for entrapment inside or outside the central nervous system |
| Principal Investigator: |
Greco, Dr F |
| Other Investigators: |
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| Researcher Co-Investigators: |
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| Project Partners: |
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| Department: |
Pharmacy |
| Organisation: |
University of Reading |
| Scheme: |
First Grant - Revised 2009 |
| Starts: |
01 June 2010 |
Ends: |
31 May 2011 |
Value (£): |
101,141
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Drug Formulation & Delivery |
Materials Characterisation |
| Materials Synthesis & Growth |
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| EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications: |
| Healthcare |
Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology |
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| Related Grants: |
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| Panel History: |
| Panel Date | Panel Name | Outcome |
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02 Oct 2009
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Physical Sciences Panel - Materials
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Announced
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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The blood brain barrier (BBB) is a sophisticated biological barrier that ensures a tight regulation of the exchanges between the brain and the peripheral tissues. On the one hand the BBB is extremely efficient at preventing exposure of the brain to potentially harmful substances. On the other hand it ensures that nutrients essential for physiological functions can reach the brain. Permeability of substances across the BBB is regulated by many factors including size and lypophilicity (solubility in lipids). In general terms, small lypophilic molecules permeate better than large hydrophilic ones. Furthermore, some molecules can permeate the BBB via alternative mechanisms including being transported across by carriers, specific channels or by energy dependent mechanisms. Conversely, other compounds are not able to cross as immediately pumped out by certain specialised proteins. Drugs able to cross the BBB distribute widely across the body and exert their action both at the brain level as well as on the peripheral tissues. This can be a disadvantage as often only peripheral (or only central) effects are needed for the therapeutic action. In this project we suggest the use of nanotechnologies to restrict a drug action to the administration site. This technology has wide applicability and excellent potential for medical applications.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.rdg.ac.uk |