Structure and Evaluation of Nanodrug Hydrogel Delivery Systems for Psoriasis Treatment using Rheo-SANS

The experiments will evaluate and optimise a novel smart controlled release injectable liposomal hydrogel drug delivery systems from low cost precursors, Pluronic F-127 and chitosan. The matrix’s sol-gel phase transition in the body allows them to be administered as drug loaded solutions before transforming to soft gel depots at body temperature, then release the drug over a designed time. liposomes structural similarity to cells allows for enhanced drugs bioavailability and increased blood circulation time. The proposed systems are designed to regulate the release of Secukinumab® for the treatment of plaque Psoriasis, aiming to reduce cost, dosing frequency and enhance patients’ compliance. The requested beamtime will allow us to investigate the effects of combined shear and extensional flow as experienced during real bodily administration on the system's morphology and stability.