Pardubice company Nanopharma is developing in cooperation with Australian company Ceramisphere functional biocompatible composite carriers using nanofibers. The Czech company has received a CZK 5m grant for the joint research as part of the Program to support international technological cooperation. The program, which focuses on the cooperation of Czech companies with non-European partners, is administered by CzechInvest.

Nanopharma is in the joint project focused on coaxial nanofibers.

Coaxial nanofiber structures are formed by nanofibers with a core/shell structure. The key benefit of such nanofibers includes:

• the ability to incorporate otherwise unspinnable substances into the core of nanofibers
• incorporating and encapsulating nanoparticles (e.g. drugs, bacteria, enzymes, hyaluronic acid…) in the core of the nanofibers
• preparation of biodegradable nanofibers with a controlled release mechanism of the active substances
• preparation of scaffolds for tissue engineering

The coaxial nanofibers are prepared by the electrospinning technique and based on organic polymers which can have the following properties, among others:

• biodegradability
• biocompatibility

We are able to prepare this type of nanofibers in cleanrooms as well, i.e. with no further necessity for sterilization.

Coaxial nanofibers can be used as composite carrier systems for targeted drug delivery and release of active substances in a wide range of fields. We offer customized preparation and functionalization of nanofiber structures according to client’s specifications and requirements.

We are able to functionalize nanofibers with the following additives, among others:

• vitamines
• antibiotics
• immunosuppresives
• analgetics
• growth factors
• metal complexes

Possible applications:

• dermatology (skin covers)
• surgery (functionalized netting)
• cosmetics (coaxial nanofibers enriched with additives such as vitamines, hyaulornic acid and other substances)
• drug delivery (immobilization of nanoparticles, controlled release of active subtsances)
• tissue engineering (additives enhancing the growth of cell structures and tissues "in vitro" and preparation of artificial tissues)
• custom-made nanofiber structures for research and experimental purposes