Anan Yaghmur is new Professor at IF

Professor Anan Yaghmur describes the focus for his research

“My research focuses on exploring the potential use and thorough characterization of lyotropic non-lamellar liquid crystalline phases and their corresponding nanoparticles (mainly cubosomes and hexosomes) for drug delivery and bio-imaging applications. The motivations in this highly specialized research area are primarily driven by the unique structural features of these self-assemblies and their biological relevance.  

Through an interdisciplinary approach, the team aims at designing, characterization, and microfluidic synthesis of safe injectable nano-self-assemblies, in particular cubosomes and hexosomes, as attractive drug delivery platforms. I have also interest in designing biofilm-targeting implant nanocoatings and parenteral liquid crystalline depots, forming in vivo with tunable nanostructural features and sustained release properties that offer attractive approaches for treatment of infections and management of post-surgery pain through a local drug delivery, respectively.  

These studies include the use of a plethora of advanced state-of-art biophysical tools (including cryo-TEM, NTA, synchrotron SAXS, AFM, SEM, and GISAXS) and in vitro/in vivo evaluations. I also focus on assessing the fate of administered cubosomes/hexosomes by simulating the in vivo conditions and learning further on the involved alterations in their physiochemical properties on direct exposure to the biological milieu.” 

Which current projects or collaborations are you part of?  

“My team focuses on designing 2D/3D X-ray compatible microfluidic platforms not only for continuous production of monodispersed cubosomes/hexosomes, but also for monitoring in real time the self-assembly behavior of amphiphiles under confined geometric conditions (online SAXS- or SAXS/WAXS-on-chip characterization studies, NNF financed project). Designing nano-coatings for combatting the development of biofilm infections on new 3D porous orthopedic implants (Marie-Curie project).  

I have also projects financed by overseas funding programs on the development of safe nanomedicines and exploitation of their potential in parenteral drug delivery, and design of liquid crystalline nano-self-assemblies with antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities. These projects integrate different complimentary research teams.” 

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