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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: EP/H021477/1
Title: Nanotechnologies for entrapment inside or outside the central nervous system
Principal Investigator: Greco, Dr F
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department: Pharmacy
Organisation: University of Reading
Scheme: First Grant - Revised 2009
Starts: 01 June 2010 Ends: 31 May 2011 Value (£): 101,141
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Drug Formulation & Delivery Materials Characterisation
Materials Synthesis & Growth
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Healthcare Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Panel DatePanel NameOutcome
02 Oct 2009 Physical Sciences Panel - Materials Announced
Summary on Grant Application Form
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.
Key Findings
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Potential use in non-academic contexts
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Summary
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Organisation Website: http://www.rdg.ac.uk