Smart Drug Delivery using Monodisperse Nanofibrous Microparticles

My research focuses on developing smart microparticles that can deliver medicines directly to inflamed areas in the gut, such as those affected by Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. These microparticles, called MuNaMi (Monodisperse Multilayer Nanofibrous Microparticles), are made using a technique called electrospinning that lets us build them layer by layer like a tiny sandwich. This layered structure protects the medicine from breaking down in the stomach and ensures it is released later in the intestine — exactly where it is needed.

What makes my project especially exciting is that MuNaMi can be made inflammation-responsive — they can sense chemical signals from inflamed tissue or be triggered by external tools like ultrasound or magnets. This means the medicine is released only where it’s needed, which could reduce side effects and improve treatment outcomes.

Chronic gut diseases affect millions of people worldwide and often require lifelong medication. But current treatments can cause serious side effects because they affect the entire body, not just the inflamed area.

By creating a targeted, controlled drug delivery system, my research could make treatment more efficient, safer, and reduce unnecessary drug waste in the body. This is not only better for patients’ health and quality of life but also helps lower healthcare costs and reduce the environmental impact of pharmaceutical production and overuse.

In high school, I discovered my passion for chemistry and biology, which led me to study medicinal chemistry at university. During my studies, I became fascinated by drug delivery and how chemistry can be used to solve medical challenges. After completing my degree, I wanted to focus on translating this knowledge into real solutions for patients.

I joined DTU as a PhD student because their work on innovative drug delivery systems perfectly matched my interest in developing smarter, targeted therapies for chronic diseases.