Evaluation of the exploitation potential of porous materials in the treatment of microbiota dysbiosis

Project objective

The aim of this project proposal is to develop new micro and mesoporous (MMM) materials using recent synthesis methods and to further functionalize these materials in order to improve their efficiency, so that they can be used as controlled release systems, in particular for diseases associated with the microbiota.

These controlled release systems are developed for oral administration and are expected to be protected in the stomach and maintained until the desired target site is reached. Although these controlled release platforms are highly studied in the literature for several types of applications such as controlled release systems (which host antitumor, anti-infective or analgesic agents), the field of microbiota is studied very little.

Nowadays, especially in children, awareness of the importance of the microbiota is well known; therefore, after treatment with antibiotics, it is often necessary to prescribe probiotics. Within the limits of the project, the natural substances used as biologically active agents will be loaded into the porous platforms, to ensure a positive feedback to the microbiota due to its antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities.             In recent years, much emphasis has been placed on the development of micro- and mesoporous materials loaded with biologically active agents, but few scientific papers present the impact of functionalized MMMs on the microbiota.

In this project, the main goal is to develop innovative MMMs with an improved pore system, capable of hosting and releasing biologically active agents (vitamins and polyphenols will be used) for the treatment of microbiota-related diseases.

Because most polyphenols have a low solubility, two innovative controlled release systems will be developed in order to ensure intelligent release (to a target site).

Therefore, in the current project, 3 general objectives (GO), achieved through several specific objectives (SO), have been taken into account, as follows:

GO 1. Exploiting the results of research obtained by applicants for the establishment and development of new innovative delivery systems for biologically active species (medicines). This goal is achievable by pooling preliminary research results on micro and mesoporous materials used as drug delivery systems, along with modern functionalization techniques and biologically active natural agents, resulting in new treatment tools for gastrointestinal microbiota diseases.

GO 2. Laboratory validation of a technology aimed at obtaining new biosystems, establishing and demonstrating the properties of final products and facilitating technology transfer. This goal will be achieved by manufacturing a final product consisting of a biocompatible drug delivery system and evaluating “in vitro” biological interactions along with the biochemical stability and drug release kinetics, bringing the concept closer to industrial application.

GO 3. Consolidation and protection of intellectual property rights in relation to developed materials.