During their remote MASc oral exam, Dae Sung Kim will discuss their research on mucoadhesive drug delivery platforms comprised of cellulose nanocrystals and chitosan with different moieties.
Abstract
This thesis will showcase mucoadhesive drug delivery platforms comprised of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and chitosan (CS) with different moieties.
Firstly, the optimal synthesis conditions, colloidal behavior, physiochemical structure, drug loading/encapsulation efficiency, anti-fungal activity, and mucoadhesive properties of CNC/CS nanocomposite will be discussed. Second, quaternary ammonium groups were incorporated into system to increase mucoadhesive properties and colloidal properties through electrostatic interaction. The optimal condition, particle size, zeta potentials, and morphological properties were examined. Third, catechol group, a bio-inspired adhesive active compound was decorated to increase interaction with mucus layer through covalent bonds. Finally, nanocomposite which possesses both quaternary ammonium groups and catechol groups was synthesized to enhance mucoadhesive properties and colloidal behavior of hydrophobic compounds. The detail synthesis process, optimal condition, mucoadhesive properties, and mucoadhesive study on zebra fish will be discussed.
Supervisor: Professor Michael Tam