Targeted Drug Delivery: Synthesis of Smart Nanocarriers for School Chemistry Education

Abstract

This publication presents a series of experiments in the field of nanomedicine for high school chemistry education and student laboratories, developed as a collaborative project between chemistry didactics and chemical research. In this context, polymeric nanocarriers represent a promising approach for drug delivery, acting as “smart packaging material” to ensure transport to the desired location in the body and a targeted release. This offers the opportunity of a locally higher drug concentration while reducing the overall dose administered and minimizing side effects of the drugs. In this article, we illustrate how this attractive field of research can be linked to polymer chemistry as a classical school topic through the model of transfer research. In addition, we present three experiments where polymer nanocarriers are (1) synthesized and (2) loaded with a fluorescent model substance, which is (3) selectively released through the degradation of the polyester carrier via hydrolysis. All experiments can be performed with simple and harmless chemicals within a time frame of two school lessons.

Digitalchemlab─Digital and Complexity-Differentiated Learning Modules in an out of School Student Laboratory

“…In addition, a second digital and complexity-differentiated learning module on the topic of "nanomedicine" has already been developed and is currently in the trial phase with teachers and students. 46 In parallel, the platform digitalchemlab will also be further developed to progress digital media integration in all areas of chemistry education. First trainings for practicing teachers have already been developed and conducted, introducing them, for example, to the usage of iPads and presenting our tested digital and complexity-differentiated learning modules.…”

Less is more – an efficient photoreactor on the nanoscale

“…Der vorliegende Beitrag widmet sich einer anderen Herausforderung. Als Methode zur Erschließung wurde erneut das Modell der Fachdidaktischen Transferforschung [7] verwendet.…”

Synthesis and Characterization of Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles: A Series of Laboratory Experiments

“…In contrast, nanomaterials can demonstrate a plethora of behaviors, including mechanical, optical, ,, electrical, chemical, and more. − One unique nanomaterial is iron oxide nanoparticles. Unlike quantum dots or metal nanoparticles, iron oxide nanoparticles exhibit size- and shape-tunable magnetic behavior. ,− As a result of their magnetic response and low biotoxicity, iron oxide nanoparticles show promise in a wide range of applications and fields, including biomedical devices and imaging, energy storage and generation, and chemical processing. ,,− Thus, given their synergistic relationship to existing undergraduate nanoparticle laboratories and their emerging real-world applications, the synthesis and characterization of iron oxide nanoparticles provide a rich foundation for integration into an academic laboratory course …”

“… 27 , 32 − 34 As a result of their magnetic response and low biotoxicity, iron oxide nanoparticles show promise in a wide range of applications and fields, including biomedical devices and imaging, energy storage and generation, and chemical processing. 28 , 31 , 35 − 37 Thus, given their synergistic relationship to existing undergraduate nanoparticle laboratories and their emerging real-world applications, the synthesis and characterization of iron oxide nanoparticles provide a rich foundation for integration into an academic laboratory course. 38 …”