Research Themes
Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic chemistry
Prof. Voravee P. Hoven
Lipid-based nanoparticles for biomedical and cosmeceutical applications
A method will be developed for the synthesis of gold (Au) and iron oxide (IO) dumbbell-like heterostructure. The material will be used as dual-responsive material through photothermal response of the Au module and magnetic hyperthermia response of the IO module. The synthesis will be done with Au nanorods of different aspect ratio as templates for the growth of IO modules. The length of the Au nanorods will be varied to control the orientation of the IO modules and tune both the photo- and magneto-responsive of the material. The final products will be tested as cancer hyperthermia agents in a 2D in vitro cell culture setting.
Keywords: Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), Transfersomes, mRNA carriers, poly(2-methyacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC), poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazolines) (POx),
Assoc. Prof. Rojrit Rojanathanes
Ionic nanoparticles for drug delivery and control releasing applications
My current research interest is focused on developing novel ionic nanoparticles as a molecular delivery system. Drugs or active ingredients are pre−concentrated in the nanoparticles promoting the up-taking process of the cells. A novel calcium citrate nanoparticle has been developed in close collaboration with the department of anatomy, faculty of medicine, Chulalongkorn University. The nanoparticle carried and released an organic dye into the target cell efficiently. These findings strongly suggest that the calcium citrate nanoparticle can potentially be used as a novel drug carrier with high cellular uptake.
Keywords: Nanoparticles, Drug Delivery, Drug Carrier, Control Releasing
Assoc. Prof. Rojrit Rojanathanes
High-performance disinfectant
Novel disinfectant formulation, BZ+, have been developed. The synergistic effect of each chemical component reduces the functioning concentration into ppm level. Thus, ultrahigh concentration formulation can be achieved. All components are chemically inert, the disinfection mechanism is based on physical interactions leads to non-irritating properties. Moreover, its chemical compatibility allows further modification to suite specific purposes.
Keywords: Disinfectant, Antimicrobial, Antiviral, Antibacterial, Antifungal
Assoc. Prof. Tanatorn Khotavivattana
Drug discovery of small molecules and natural products for improved biological activities (anti-cancer, anti-viral, and anti-microbial)
Our research focuses on optimizing target-based drug discovery from bioactive scaffolds through a structured process. We begin with computational drug design to identify potential candidates, followed by synthesizing these compounds using semi-synthesis and total synthesis methods. The synthesized compounds are then evaluated through enzyme-based and cell-based assays to determine their efficacy, toxicity, and mechanisms of action. Finally, we conduct Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) and Quantitative-SAR (QSAR) analyses to refine and enhance the drug candidates. This comprehensive approach aims to develop potent and safe therapeutic agents for treating cancer, viral infections, and microbial diseases.
Keywords: Drig Discovery, Small Molecules, Anti-cancer, Anti-viral, Anti-microbial
Dr. Wid Mekseriwattana
Synthesis of gold-iron oxide dumbbell-like heterostructure as a photo- and magneto-responsive material for cancer hyperthermia therapy
A method will be developed for the synthesis of gold (Au) and iron oxide (IO) dumbbell-like heterostructure. The material will be used as dual-responsive material through photothermal response of the Au module and magnetic hyperthermia response of the IO module. The synthesis will be done with Au nanorods of different aspect ratio as templates for the growth of IO modules. The length of the Au nanorods will be varied to control the orientation of the IO modules and tune both the photo- and magneto-responsive of the material. The final products will be tested as cancer hyperthermia agents in a 2D in vitro cell culture setting.
Gold nanoparticles, Iron oxide nanoparticles, Heterostructure, Photothermal therapy, Magnetic hyperthermia