Developing cosmic-ray and microgravity stable liquid medicinal nanoformulations

Lead Researchers: Professor Volker Hessel; Professor Chun-Xia Zhao

(Adelaide-Nottingham Joint PhD)

Medicines and food nutrients decompose in space faster than on Earth, and cosmic rays are major reason. NASA thus, i.a., recommends fortification concepts, meaning increased food uptake at the beginning of a long-term mission (Mars).

This cannot be done with medicines, as they need to be consumed on the spot (of a disease). We have started to develop stabilisation concepts for solid formations (tablets) and tested them in space (ISS).

This PhD research asks for a candidate with microfluidic and supramolecular engineering background, and will continue that with exploring stabilisation concepts for liquid formations (nanoformulations) and will use microfluidics as advanced emulsion-dispersing technologies and modern supramolecular self-organisation concept.