Pharmaceutical Sciences
Visit the home pages of the Institute of Health and Welfare Research (IHWR) at Robert Gordon UniversityPharmaceutical Sciences
The Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Group comprises of academic staff in the School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences who are research active within the areas of Medicinal Chemistry, Formulation and Drug Delivery.
Medicinal Chemistry
Research is undertaken in the following areas (see staff web pages for further information):
Natural Products Chemistry.
Steroid Synthesis and Photochemical oxidations.
The design and synthesis of novel prodrugs for the treatment of nephropathic cystinosis.
The design and synthesis of amino-substituted anthraquinones and quinoxalines as selective ligands for higher order DNA and as inhibitors of telomerase and topoisomerase.
Molecular modelling of drug macromolecule interactions.
Synthesis of biologically active heterocycles (pyrazines, quinolines and quinoxalines.
Identifying the mechanisms of action of planet derived and synthetic (beta)-lactamase inhibitors (flavones).
Analysis profiles of opium alkaloids by CZE.
Design and synthesis of luminescent sensors based on organic and Quantum Dot fluorophores.
Anti-cancer, anti-parasitic and antioxidant therapeutics
Formulation and Drug Delivery
The focus in this research group is the development and evaluation of novel drug delivery systems. The areas in which this group is actively involved are as follows:
Solid dosage Forms:
Oral controlled release matrix tablets incorporating new novel polymeric substances and natural gums. The kinetics of drug release from these systems is examined.
Film-coated pellets and granules for encapsulating in hard gelatine capsules. The coating formulation is manipulated so as to obtain pH-independent drug release.
Application of natural, synthetic and semi-synthetic polymers in drug delivery systems. In particular, the development of lyophilised products as stable systems for wound healing drugs in collaboration with industry.
Buccal and topical delivery of drugs for systemic absorption. Lyophilised materials and penetration enhancers are used to promote rapid drug release.
Preformulation studies such as solubility, crystal structure and incompatibility determinations are also carried out on potential new drug entities. The stability of drugs in glassy, polymer matrices is also investigated.
Fast-melt tablets made by direct compression.
Biodegradable microspheres:
These are developed from novel new polymers provided by our collaborating partners.
These biodegradable microspheres are designed for:
- drug targeting to tumours and
- drug delivery to the lungs
Pharmaceutical Sciences Group Staff
Dr Lynda Storey
