Research areas

We fomulate biologically active compounds and recombinant antigens in nanoparticle-based delivery systems, diagnostic nanoparticles and characterize their physical-chemical properties. These are mainly liposomes, micelles, nano/microemulsions, polymeric and gold nanoparticles.

We perform complex physico-chemical characterization of nanoparticles, determination of size, size distribution, concentration, and surface charge. We measure the absorption, fluorescence characteristics of biomolecules and their binding interactions. We mainly deal with the characterization of drug delivery systems, liposomes, exosomes, virus-like particles, and protein particles. We also deal with the thermal stability of biomolecules and the determination of the purity of substances.

We design and construct drug formulations in various drug delivery systems including oral mucosa, transdermal, peroral, and parenteral administration systems. We collaborate with academic and industrial partners during the developed products‘ stability studies and problem-solving during scale-up to industrial production.

Our research is focused on overcoming mucosal barriers (mainly oral mucosa), and skin barrier functions to increase the bioavailability of both, low-molecular drugs and macromolecules. We perform ex vivo permeation tests and pharmacokinetic studies using various animal models including rats, rabbits, and pigs.

We test natural and synthetic compound, and nanoparticle-based delivery system activity in vitro (e.g. anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, chondroprotective effects, wound healing activity, etc.). We test antiviral activity in collaboration with the Laboratory of Virology, including BSL 3 experiments. We test active compounds‘ and nanoparticle-based delivery systems‘ toxicological effects in collaboration with the Toxicology group.

We use several microscopy techniques to observe the passage, transport, and distribution of nanoparticles and other labeled active compounds at tissue and cell level (confocal microscopy, electron microscopy). We focus especially on the transport of biologically active compounds through oral/nasal mucosa and skin barriers and using fluorescence labeling in tissue cross-sections. At the organ level, we apply whole-body imaging modalities utilizing fluorescence, bioluminescence, and X-ray principles in rodent models. 

Microscopic and imaging methods are also used for the material analysis of prepared drug formulations.

In the field of parasitology, we do research to improve antiparasitic therapy in animals. We study antiparasitic efficacy and pharmacokinetics in both in vitro and in vivo models. We aim to modify selected antiparasitic drugs to increase bioavailability and search for novel non-invasive application forms in animals.

We search for new diagnostic molecular tools for the detection of helminths in ruminants and propose measures towards sustainable parasite control.

We determine pharmacokinetic drug profiles, especially in relation to the development of novel drug formulations to increase their bioavailability. We develop methods to determine the drug concentration from biological samples (MS/HPLC). For pharmacokinetic studies, we use rats, rabbits, and pigs. We are experienced in PK determination of both, non-invasively administered drug delivery systems such as transdermal, and transmucosal, and also peroral dosage forms.

In the field of biotechnology, we deal with the production of recombinant proteins, from designing the nucleotide sequence, encoding the protein, including helper tags and fusion proteins, cloning into suitable plasmids to produce in various expression systems (bacteria, yeast, insect cells, mammalian cells). We also perform subsequent isolation and purification of proteins using chromatographic and biochemical methods and, among other things, formulating into experimental vaccines. Their effectiveness is verified on animal models – mouse and pig.

We test novel, experimental vaccines, especially those applied noninvasively via mucosal barriers, including the nasal and oral mucosa layer and peroral administration routes. For these vaccination trials, we established a swine model, which is morphologically and physiologically relevant to humans. Using the swine model, we also have experience with sensibilization and desensitization against various allergens (Allergy therapy). 

In addition, we deal with the preparation and testing of mRNA vaccines, designing and producing nucleotide sequences, and their formulation into lipid nanoparticle-based carrier systems. We carry out in vitro testing on cell cultures, and in vivo testing to monitor immunization efficiency.