Mrs Negeen Kargar

Research project: Smart delivery system for anti diabetic drug

Abstract

Diabetes is one of the oldest healthcare conditions to be reported in history. The current available insulin delivery systems fail to maintain a basal insulin level in the blood. Closed loop insulin delivery systems that intelligently release insulin according to the body needs which will enable a better control of the diabetic condition.

Currently there are three types of glucose sensor available. Enzyme based glucose sensor, a glucose recognising protein or protein based sensor and chemical sensor. Synthetic chemical ligands are considered to be more stable, easier to handle and cost effective. Boronic acid is considered as the most promising chemical ligand which can recognise glucose. Glucose sensitiveness is demonstrated by complexation of the hydroxyl group of boronic acid with the hydroxyl groups of glucose.

Polymer containing phenylboronic acid can ease the release of insulin once the glucose concentration goes higher than normal level. In this review main focus is on the current delivery methods of insulin, future prospective of such delivery methods under research, and the synthetic chemical ligands.

Biography

I started a job in a academic basic research lab with the research group of Professor Andreas Marx at the Konstanz University. I really enjoyed working there and it give me allot of strength and knowledge in organic synthesis and column chromatography.

In April 2005, I moved to UK  and started working as an interpreter with the immigration and social services. Meanwhile Ii started my BSc in Analytical chemistry at Birkbeck university of London which was ended successfully in 2009 and lead me to the MSc at the UCL School of Pharmacy in London.

I have also worked for Procter and Gamble in Surrey for a while. After ending my contract with Procter and Gamble I started working at ICI Paint, for six months. While working at ICI Paint, I have gained the experience of working under pressure and dealing with short deadlines. It also enabled me to have the ability to work independently as well as working in a team.  Since both working independently and working in a group are really important, I personally enjoyed both a lot. Since working in a group was a great experience for me, and helped me to be assertive, consultative and have sensitive manner towards others cultures and values, which are the most important things to consider with working in a team. And working individually helped me to meet deadlines on my own and work under pressure.

I also worked as a Lab technician at Arjowiggins R & D (Photo, Fine paper development department) and at the same time studying at Birkbeck University I have gained great experiences and skills in formulation chemistry as well as analytical chemistry and thermal physical testing methods. My main responsibilities at Arjowiggins were Carrying out raw material parameter measurements, formulation of coating recipe according to measured parameters, routine monitoring of weight, coating feasibility, quality and properties. I was also involved in running of the pilot coater trials together with our department's members. Support for long term pro-active projects required before a set deadline, organization and lab report writing were mainly applied to my role.   Communicating with all departmental staff about work progress involved presenting the lab results using power point in the monthly review meetings.

My last job before starting my PhD was in ICL (Israeli Chemical Limited) a supplier of phosphates and food additive.

Areas of research interest

  • Chemistry
  • Polymer
  • Drug delivery
  • Diabetes
  • Nanoparticles
  • Smart polymers
  • Glucose sensor
  • Nanomaterials

Qualifications

  • Technical College Diploma ( CTA) from Germany 2BKC1
  • BSc Analytical Chemistry
  • MSc Drug Delivery
  • AFHEA