College: Karl-Franzens University Graz, Austria

Email: : Isabella.hold@edu.uni-graz.at

Prof. Andreas Zimmer (Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology, Karl-Franzens University of Graz) was the thesis supervisor of this project.

Dr Julia Horsfield (Otago Zebrafish Facility, University of Otago) was a key collaborator in this project.

Project title:  In vivo response to antioxidant nanomedicines using a zebrafish model

Project description: The consumption of plant-derived antioxidants has been associated with the prevention of diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders, caused by oxidative stress.  Leaves of the puha plant (Sonchus oleraceus) are rich in antioxidants that have the potential to be formulated into a supplement product. We have previously shown that S. oleraceus antioxidants are absorbed into cells in vitro and can exert an antioxidant effect.  Can this effect be maintained following in vivo administration?  Delivery of antioxidants using nanoparticle formulations will be investigated in vivo using zebrafish embryos, an exciting new model of human disease in which to study oxidative stress.

Aim: To investigate the in vivo response to administration of antioxidants in nanoparticles using a zebrafish model