Conducting research within CEEPUS: Effective drug delivery systems for obesity treatment
Amina Tucak-Smajic, University of Graz/Austria© Eldar Nurkovic
Amina Tucak-Smajic, a pharmacist form Bosnia and Herzegovina, pursued part of the research for her PhD thesis at the University of Graz in Austria. Her exchange stay was partial support by a CEEPUS mobility scholarship. Her report stands as an outstanding example of collaboration within a sucessful CEEPUS network
"2019 to 2023, I had the extraordinary opportunity to spend approximately 10 months in Austria, where I conducted the entire experimental part of my thesis at the Department of Pharmaceutical Technology & Biopharmacy.
My research focuses on the formulation and characterization of cationic nanostructured lipid carriers as drug delivery systems for microRNA, particularly miRNA-27a. This work is positioned at the intersection of nanotechnology and therapeutic strategies for treating and preventing obesity. What excites me most about this research is its potential impact on addressing a global health issue—obesity. By leveraging nanotechnology and microRNA, we aim to develop innovative approaches for more effective drug delivery systems. The prospect of contributing to advancements in obesity treatment is both intellectually stimulating and socially significant.
This period in Austria marked my first encounter with cell culture laboratories, providing me with invaluable hands-on experience. I had the privilege of conducting my research on two distinct cell lines, broadening my understanding of cellular processes and experimental methodologies. Moreover, I gained access to state-of-the-art equipment dedicated to the formulation and characterization of lipid nanoparticles. This access not only facilitated the practical aspects of my research but also exposed me to cutting-edge technologies in the field."
The CEEPUS scholarship was awarded for the years 2022 and 2023, at the Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Graz within the framwork of the CEEPUS network "Central European Knowledge Alliance for Teaching, Learning & Research in Pharmaceutical Technology (CEKA PharmTech)"