Prinda Wanakule, B.S.
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow
Office: BME 5.412
prinda@mail.utexas.edu

Research Focus: Polymer-Based Oral Drug Delivery Systems and Vehicles

My research interests are in the development of polymer-based oral drug delivery systems and vehicles to improve the bioavailability of existing drugs. One major challenge associated with the oral delivery of drugs is the high acidity of the stomach, which denatures proteins, destroying the drug compounds. To overcome this challenge, I am investigating different hydrogels that may be able to protect the compounds from the stomach enzymes, and degrade in the small intestine to release the compounds for absorption by the intestinal lining. Another problem with oral delivery is the level of intestinal absorption, which may be improved by increasing the residence time of the drug on the intestinal lining. To achieve this, I am exploring the use of mucoadhesive polymers, like chitosan, which may also be targeted to particular systems. By specifically targeting diseased cells, harmful side effects of drugs that enter the systemic circulation will be kept to a minimum. By addressing all of these issues, the bioavailability and efficacy of existing drugs will be greatly improved, and a wider range of drugs may begin to be administered orally.