This field of research is focused on preparation of nano and microemulsions, microencapsules, and organic nanoparticles, for application in various fields such as imaging and drug delivery.

Example for a delivery system developed in our lab for biomedical imaging is Near Infrared (NIR) fluorescent nanoparticles and liposomes for detection colorectal tumors and ureter visualization. The nanoparticles are prepared by using only non-covalent attachment processes of molecules which are approved for clinical use, see Journal of biomedical nanotechnology 10.6 (2014): 1041-1048. The formation process is schematically shown in Fig. 1.

 

Fig. 1: schematic presentation of formation of NIR nanoparticles for tumor imaging

 

Fig. 2: NIR detection of colorectal cancer

 Another example is nanodroplets of pomegranate seed oil (PSO), for prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases (in collaboration with Prof. R. Gabizon, Hadassha Hospital). PSO contains high concentrations of punicic acid, which is among the strongest natural antioxidants, and  it was found that PSO nanoemulsion significantly delayed disease presentation when administered to asymptomatic TgMHu2ME199K mice and postponed disease aggravation in already sick mice, see: Nanomedicine. (2014) Apr 2. pii: S1549-9634(14) 00133-6. The PSO nanoemulsions are further explored by Granalix.