Liquid crystals in pharmaceutical drugs and formulations

DRA symposium

Liquid crystals (LCs) are unique states of matter that exhibit properties of both liquids and solids, characterized by ordered molecular arrangements that retain fluidity. This dual nature allows LCs to form various phases, such as nematic, smectic, and cholesteric, each offering distinct advantages for pharmaceutical applications.

In this DRA symposium, attendees will learn more about the role of LCs in pharmaceutical formulations, for instance in enhancing drug solubility, stability, and bioavailability. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of how LCs can encapsulate active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), facilitating controlled release and improving drug permeation across biological membranes. Key concepts such as curvature, packing, and the critical packing parameter (CPP) will be discussed, equipping PhD students with the knowledge to analyze and optimize LC formulations.

Attendees of this DRA symposium will not only be able to broaden their understanding of LC behavior but also discover how to use LCs to tackle current challenges in drug delivery. There is also opportunity to engage with leading researchers, share ideas in a panel discussion, and gain insights that could shape their future work in pharmaceutical sciences.

Programme

12:45 Auditorium open and possibility to grab a coffee
13:00 Introduction

Assoc. Prof. Andrea Heinz, Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
13:05

Introduction into liquid crystalline materials and their occurrence in thermotropic drugs
Prof. Thomas Rades, Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
13:50

Thermotropic liquid crystals: an intelligent strategy for skin drug delivery
Dr. Mariia Nesterkina, Helmholtz Institute for Pharmaceutical Research Saarland (HIPS), Saarbrücken, Germany
14:35 

Refreshments (coffee, tea, croissants)
15:00 

Lyotropic liquid crystals and other self-assembled lipid structures, their applications in pharmaceutics and unrealised opportunities
Prof. Ben Boyd, Department of Pharmacy, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
15:45 

Student talks
(Luna Gade, Qianying Chen, Chenyang Wu)
16:15

Panel discussion: What is the potential of liquid crystalline systems in pharmaceutics and for your own PhD work?
All speakers and the audience
16:45

Closing of the DRA symposium

The symposium is organized on behalf of the graduate programme in pharmaceutical sciences, Drug Research Academy, by Associate Professor Andrea Heinz, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen.

The symposium is free of charge and open for attendance by all interested parties. It is not necessary to pre-register.