Otto Loewi Forschungszentrum

Research focus: Circulation and vascular research

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), ), Anita Emmerstorfer-Augustin (TU Graz) and Daniel Baumgarten (UMIT). On an international level collaborations with Sonja Berensmeier (TU München), Thomas Becker (TU München), Karsten Haupt (TU Compiègne), Borislav Tzankov (MU Sofia), und Dominik Szwajgier (ULS Lublin).

Projects

Development and biological characterization of nanoscale drug delivery systems, incorporating multidrug resistence-reversing RNA constructs

  • Mesoporous silica particles will be synthesized and characterized. A drug delivery system for RNA delivery will be developed for gene silencing.
  • Project duration: 2023-2025
  • Funded by: WTZ OeAD
  • Projekt partners: Eva Roblegg (KFU Graz), Ramona Jeitler (U Graz), Thomas Mohr (U Wien), Borislav Tzankov (MU Sofia), Yordan Yordanov (MU Sofia).

Magnetic Molecularly Imprinted Polymers as a Platform for Drug Delivery

  • Molecular imprinting of polymers for thermo-responsive drug delivery.
  • Project duration: 2024-2025
  • Funded by: WTZ OeAD
  • Project partners: Karsten Haupt (TU Compiègne)

Interactions of caffeic acid with nanocellulose

  • The oral delivery of coffeic acid is investigated towards and its influence on antioxidative properties.
  • Project duration: 2024-2025
  • Funded by: WTZ OeAD
  • Project partners: Dominik Szwajgier (ULS Lublin)

Enhanced protein synthesis by synchronous yeast cells

  • Yeast cells (Pichia pastoris) are fractionated by magnetic particles according to their individual cell age. Moreover, the cells will bey synchronized in their cell cycle to study effects on protein synthesis.
  • Project duration: 2024-2027
  • Funded by: FWF
  • Projectpartners: Anita Emmerstorfer Augustin (TU Graz), Tobias Madl (MedChem), Ellen Heitzer (Liquid Biopsy)

Magnetic Stone

  • Magnetic particles are used for the residue-free extraction of kidney stones. The goal of this project is to develop a method which allows for efficient kidney stone removal. Both, the magnetic devices as well as the particles for the extraction will be developed.
  • Project duration: 2023-2024
  • Funded by: MeFo Graz
  • Project partners: Gerd Hörl (MedChem) and Dominik Rosenlechner (Urologie, LKH Graz)

Division of Medicinal Chemistry

Assoz.-Prof. Priv.-Doz. Dr.
Sebastian Schwaminger MSc
T: +43 316 385 72125

Magnetische Medikamente

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