Our Research
We are developing and applying the methodologies of biomedical engineering and biophysics to measure, understand, and predict critical functions of microbicidal formulations for women to reduce the risk of, or to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
Our research focuses on:
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physico-chemical mechanisms governing formulation spreading and retention (deployment) and drug release (delivery) in the vagina
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direct in vivo measurement of deployment in women
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prediction of deployment and delivery using knowledge of their physico-chemical mechanisms, physiological environment, and formulation properties
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analysis of HIV neutralization and inhibition of early events of viral replication by a microbicide delivery vehicle
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optimization of biophysical properties of microbicidal formulations
- analysis of acceptability of semi-solid microbicide products and of how their biophysical properties govern women's perceptions of them
What do we want from a microbicide delivery system?
An effective microbicide delivery vehicle, i.e. one with good functionality, should deliver microbicidal active ingredients and potentially provide a physical barrier, such that HIV or other sexually transmitted pathogens are prevented from initiating infection in vulnerable mucosa. This delivery vehicle could be introduced as, and or become, a semi-solid material that establishes a continuous and durable mucosal coating layer containing adequate concentrations of active ingredients. It could also be an alternative dosage form, such as a ring, intended to remain in place for an extended interval after insertion.
The molecular composition and structure of a microbicide delivery vehicle give rise to a diverse set of physical and chemical properties. For semi-solid vehicles, these govern its spreading and retention, and its release of bioactive ingredients. Our research seeks to identify the most salient of those properties, and to understand relationships between them and the biophysical mechanisms of deployment and drug delivery. These relationships also include properties of the vaginal environment.
