Cycle/Years
39th cycle [2023-2026]
Contacts
Supervisors
Prof. Marco Geppi, Dott.sa Elisa Carignani
Title of the PhD project
Interactions, Structure, Phase Properties of Pharmaceutical Cocrystals investigated by solid-state NMR
Abstract of the PhD project
Cocrystals have garnered considerable attention as a means to regulate and design the stability, solubility, dissolution rate, mechanical properties, and hygroscopicity of solid active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Optimizing these qualities is crucial in determining the physical form in which Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) are administered. The use of API co-crystals in the pharmaceutical field is a recent but promising strategy for improving many macroscopic properties without changing the molecular structure and without altering their molecular activity.
The purpose of this project is to synthesize and characterize new “dual-drug” co-crystals of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients. In these type of forms both co-formers are active pharmaceutical ingredients. These can be synthesized not only to improve certain macroscopic properties but also to combine the effects of the two drugs, potentially reducing the number of drugs to be taken in a pharmacological therapy. In particular we will focusing on the combination of ibuprofen and levetiracetam for the treatment of pain in the elderly and for neurological conditions such as migraines and Alzheimer's.
In order to achieve structural and dynamic characterization of the solid forms, this research activity will primarily rely on the use of solid-state NMR, which is one of the most versatile techniques able to investigate APIs in crystalline and amorphous phases, pure or in formulations with co-formers.
Academic Fields and Disciplines (SSD), main and secondary
CHIM02
Educational and third mission activities
• Winter School: Advanced techniques for the analysis of novel materials strategic for sustainability transitions. 1 – Bioplastics. Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Italy. Participation in the organization and tutor activities.
Oral communications at conferences
• PANACEA Solid-state NMR Summer School in Venice – Fundamentals of solid-state NMR spectroscopy for chemists, 16-21 June 2024, Island of San Servolo in Venice, Italy. Oral communication: ”Interactions, Structure and Phase Properties of Pharmaceutical Cocrystals investigated by Solid-state NMR”. Ghelardi, A. ; Carignani, E. ; Geppi, M.
• Chemistry for the Future (CFF) 2024, 3-5 June 2024, Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Italy. Oral communication: “Comparison of dynamics and structure of polymorphs by solid-state NMR: the case of Leflunomide”. Ghelardi, A. ; Carignani, E. ; Geppi, M.
Poster communications at conferences
• Chemistry for the Future (CFF) 2024, 3-5 June 2024, Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Italy. Poster contribution: “Comparison of dynamics and structure of polymorphs by solid-state NMR: the case of Leflunomide”. Ghelardi, A. ; Carignani, E. ; Geppi, M.
• 51st National Congress of Magnetic Resonance (GIDRM) 2024, 3-6 September 2024, University of Florence, Italy. Poster contribution: “Different dynamic behavior of the two polymorphs of Leflunomide as seen by solid-state NMR spectroscopy and relaxometry”. Ghelardi, A. ; Carignani, E. ; Geppi, M.
• 3rd International Conference on Contemporary Pharmacy Challenges: ”Enhancing pharmaceuticals through interdisciplinary research” (iCCPC) 2024, 16-18 September 2024, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, Krakow, Poland. Poster contribution: “Investigation of dynamic and structural properties of polymorphs by solid-state NMR: the case of Leflunomide”. Ghelardi, A. ; Carignani, E. ; Geppi, M.
Other achievements
• Winner of poster competition in Chemistry for the Future (CFF) 2024, 3-5 June 2024, Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Italy. Poster contribution: “Comparison of dynamics and structure of polymorphs by solid-state NMR: the case of Leflunomide”. Ghelardi, A. ; Carignani, E. ; Geppi, M.
• Winner of poster competition in 3rd International Conference on Contemporary Pharmacy Challenges: ”Enhancing pharmaceuticals through interdisciplinary research” (iCCPC) 202416-18 September 2024, Jagiellonian University, Medical College, Krakow, Poland. Poster contribution: “Investigation of dynamic and structural properties of polymorphs by solid-state NMR: the case of Leflunomide”. Ghelardi, A. ; Carignani, E. ; Geppi, M.
