Research Director
Dr. D. Tsiourvas,, Tel: +30 210 6503616, Fax: +30 210 6529792
e-mail: tsiourvas@chem.demokritos.gr

Permanent Staff
Dr. Z. Sideratou, Researcher
Dr. M. Arkas

Post Doctors
Dr. A. Tziveleka

Collaborating Scientists
Dr. C. M. Paleos
Dr. Theodossis Theodossiou

Graduate Students
Ms. M. Galanou
Ms. N. Sterioti

The paper entitled:“Molecular Engineering of Dendritic Polymers and Their Application as Drug and Gene Delivery Systems
Paleos, C. M.; Tsiourvas, D.; Sideratou, Z.
Molecular Pharmaceutics; (Review); 2007; 4(2); 169-188. DOI: 10.1021/mp060076n”
is the third most accessed article of the journal.

 1. Molecular Recognition of Liposomes - Multifunctional Liposomes as Drug Delivery Systems. Liposomes bearing recognizable groups are employed in molecular recognition experiments with complementary liposomes or simple molecules in an attempt to simulate the behaviour of cells. The external surface of liposomes is modified with appropriate moieties for conducting the molecular recognition experiments with the final objective to develop efficient drug delivery systems combining stability, targeting and transporting properties, Scheme 1.

     Scheme 1                                                       Scheme 2

2. Multifunctional Dendrimeric and Hyperbranched Polymers (Dendritic Polymers) as Drug and Gene Delivery Systems. Multifunctionalization of dendritic polymers is conducted aiming at developing drug and gene delivery systems exhibiting enhanced targeting, stability and transport properties through cell membranes, Scheme 2. Active drug ingredients are incorporated in the nanocavities of dendritic polymers, while DNA forms complexes with positively charged dendritic polymers as shown in Scheme 3.

Scheme 3

3. Dendritic Polymers with Application in the Production of Ultrapure Water. Alkylated dendritic polymers have the property of behaving as "nanosponges", in the cavities of which hydrophobic water impurities are encapsulated (Scheme 4). Ultrapure water is produced, in which the remaining impurities are at the ppb level. Furthermore, cross-linked hydrophobic dendrimeric and hyperbranched polymers have been developed for water purification. Work has also been performed for the preparation of Organosilicon Dendrimers which were applied at the surface of ceramic filters for the production of ultrapure water.

4. Development of Novel Thermotropic Liquid Crystals. Novel liquid crystals are prepared through covalent and non-covalent synthesis. Specifically ionic, or amphiphilic-type hydrogen-bonded thermotropic liquid crystals with broad temperature range have been prepared and characterized.

Research Facilities

The main research facilities available at Laboratory and the “Institute of Physical Chemistry” include: Optical Microscopes equipped with Image Analysis and Processing facilities, Atomic Force and Scanning Tunneling Microscope, Thermal Analysis Facilities (DSC, TGA), Fluorescence, NMR and FT-IR spectrometers, Dynamic Light Scattering, z-potential system and X-ray Diffraction Units.

Selected Publications