SweDeliver Dissertation • Xiguo He

Uppsala University's research environment in oral drug delivery has within the framework of international competence center SweDeliver consolidated its position at the absolute forefront of their field. In a doctoral project carried out in close collaboration with the Uppsala Antibiotic Center, Xiguo He has worked to enhance the possibility of oral delivery of antibiotics via nanoparticles.

Since the 1940's, antibiotics have been one of the most important tools in healthcare. Today, however, antimicrobial resistance constitutes an increasing threat to global health. An estimation presented in The Lancet calculates that without action, the number of deaths directly linked to antibiotic resistance could reach 39 million between 2025 and 2050. A key challenge is to optimize the effect of antibiotic treatment – with the possibility of oral delivery of antibiotics being a potential success factor.

Unfortunately, most antibiotics suffer from poor solubility, low intestinal permeability and rapid enzymatic degradation in the gastrointestinal tract. But by loading liquid crystal nanoparticles with antibiotics, Xiguo He has explored a method that both protects the antibiotic, enhances absorption and reduces adverse effects. That this method can also be applied to 3D-printed formulations strengthens the possibility of individualized dosing.

Friday 21 November Xiguo He defends her thesis at Uppsala University's Biomedical Center.

Supervisor is Madlen Hubert, Associate Professor at the Department of Pharmacy. Co-Supervisor is Christel Bergström, Professor at the Department of Pharmacy. Opponent is Johan Engblom, Professor at Malmö University.