Efficient control of delivery and release of functional ingredients in different contexts opens possibilities to optimize effects, e.g. reducing unwanted side effects caused by overdosing or substance release at the wrong time or place. The topic has relevance for many environmental, consumer and industrial applications. The centre will further develop the science of the current platform technologies as well as supportive technologies such as characterization and analysis methods. It will also apply the platforms and science in application-oriented projects.
Optimal Use and Beneficial Effects
In numerous applications the optimal use and beneficial effects of active molecules are limited by the inability of current technologies to effectively control their release over time, i.e. to achieve sustained release. Traditionally, sustained release has been promoted in areas such as pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.
The need for time dependent release covers a range of applications, one example being the constant release rate of biocides to achieve optimal material protection. Currently implemented technologies are typically based on mechanisms such as gradient diffusion, surface erosion or mechanical delivery devices. Technologies such as powder in oil dispersions or suspensions of poorly soluble compounds for diffusion-controlled release of pharmaceuticals have been available for 50 years. However, they are hampered by a large variability in release profile, also few products have been developed with these concepts for use in humans.
Large Capacity and Low Cost Production
Large capacity and low cost production of mesoporous particles provides a true potential for a number of successful commercial applications within sustained release. Mesoporous inorganic materials are currently developed into delivery vehicles for a range of actives. The major advantages of these systems are chemical inertness, high active substance load and homogenous pore size. The release rate can be controlled by different means for example by an additional external encapsulation that further limits diffusion and slows down the release rate.
Currently, several new innovative systems has been identified in order to encapsulate solid and liquid systems in general, one example is using a one-step in-situ coating in the particle production process (applying for example spray-drying technology). Another technology that is further developed within CODIRECT is the layer by- layer multilayer polymer coatings built from charged biopolymers [YKI, Alberius, PCT WO 2005/110592 A1].
Need-Oriented Delivery and Release
Delivery and release is not simply a matter of supplying a certain active ingredient to a target. Many applications demand that the delivery or release event occurs only when the need arises, followed by a burst of actives at a suitable rate for a predetermined duration. This requires that the carrier vehicle responds to an appropriate stimulus such as a change in temperature, pH, ionic strength, light exposure, stress, pressure change or chemical reaction. For many types of complex delivery systems there is a need to protect ingredients from chemical or physical degradation during storage of the product, application examples within CODIRECT can be functional food or new types of vaccines.
Printing and Coating Techniques
Printing is an efficient method to deliver an active, or a vehicle for an active, to the particular area where it is needed. The aim is the development of directed delivery methods for active substances and new combinations of functionalities into various products employing printing and coating techniques. To achieve controlled delivery and release, surfaces need to be functionalized, either by imparting new functions or by protecting substrates. Among such functionalities are enhanced and directed delivery and release of e.g. aroma, flavor, frictional or tactile sensation, sensors, protective or active barriers, wetting and water-repellency.
The area of printed functionality will build on and apply both non-contact and in-contact printing and coating techniques that are already employed in the industry, especially those related to paper, packaging, printing and converting. The industrial need is strong to enhance capabilities and functionalize products while maintaining a focus on adapting existing technologies suitable for large-scale production.
Physiologists - An Unusual Component in Technical Research
In CODIRECT you also find physiologists. To understand how to a deliver a certain tactile feel of a product by tuning the surface chemistry is one of the main goals with this project. The materials of focus are magazines, tissue paper and textiles. The main objective with this initiative is to link tactile perception (with the aid of test panels) of materials to physical properties of their surfaces.