Lay summary
The National University of Singapore research team has extensive experience in the fabrication of solid matrices and nano-structured surfaces, and in the use of dense gas technologies for impregnation of compounds into porous structures, and in formulation of drug-delivery systems. This specialised experience and capability in preparation of unique polymeric and inorganic matrices is not currently available in New Zealand. IRL has expertise in natural product chemistry and bioactivity, supercritical fluid and liquefied gas extraction, fermentation and enzymatic conversion of natural product, and in wound healing applications
Dense gas, or supercritical fluid, processing is a technology platform that has the potential to enable formation of very effective porous substrates, and also for embedding or coating active compounds into these matrices or other substrates. This type of processing has already been used to produce a wide range of substrates including natural and synthetic polymers for human health applications, such as tissue and bone scaffolds. Supercritical fluids have the advantage of giving high mass transfer rates, excellent material penetration, and negligible solvent residue, due to the volatility of the solvent. Low temperature processing can also be used, suitable for use with thermolabile compounds. Supercritical CO2 has also been applied in the medical industry for sterilisation of equipment and implants.
Potential research areas for collaboration include:
o Embedding natural bioactive extracts into dressings for topical or surgical application
o Impregnation and/or sterilisation of surgical implants
o Development of new materials suitable for tissue engineering scaffolds, including chitosan or collagen based substrates