This work introduces novel approaches to enhance targeting of pharmacotherapies to cornea, ciliary body, choroid, and posterior segment of the eye using microneedles as a drug delivery platform. The first part of the work determines the ability to deliver protein therapeutics into the cornea using coated microneedles to suppress corneal neovascularization in a rabbit model. The data show that highly targeted delivery of the anti-vascular endothelial growth factor protein therapeutic gave a better biological response of suppressing neovascularization with 11,900 times less dosage compared to topical administration. The second part of the research aims to develop novel formulations to target ciliary body and choroid via suprachoroidal delivery. The results show that a strongly non-Newtonian fluid can be used to slow down the spreading of the particles at the injection site up to 2 months. The results also show that a high molecular weight formulation with weakly non-Newtonian fluid can be used to reach 100% coverage of the choroidal surface with a single injection. The third part of the research aims to determine the biological response of targeting anti-glaucoma therapeutics to the ciliary body in a rabbit model. The results show we can achieve 500- to 1000-fold dose sparing by targeted delivery via supraciliary delivery. The fourth and last part of the research aims to develop novel emulsion droplets to target different locations within the eye using a gravity-mediated delivery technique via suprachoroidal space injection. The results show that we can deliver up to 73% of injected polymeric particles posterior to the equator of the eye. Overall this work demonstrates that microneedles have the capability to deliver pharmacotherapies to cornea, ciliary body, choroid, and posterior of the eye in a highly targeted manner and provide significant dose sparing in the rabbit model.

No description available.

No description available.

No description available.

Lipid based non-viral delivery systems are potentially of great importance to the development of an effective and versatile therapeutic gene treatment. Many difficulties are faced in designing efficient lipid based gene delivery systems and addressing the problem of endosomal escape is one key area where efficiency could be greatly improved Molecules aimed at inducing aggregate disruption in response to changes in pH, or metal ion concentration, have been synthesised. Series of compounds were prepared based on cationic 5-alkyl-2-methylaminoalkyl pyridine amphiphiles and amphiphilic C(_8)-C(_16) EDTA dialkylamides. The critical aggregation concentration of each species was measured and a series of experiments undertaken, designed to assess the extent of pH, or metal ion concentration, induced aggregate disruption effects. The experiments were carried out by including the molecules to be examined as small mole percent co-aggregates in micellar and liposome model systems. Each group of compounds appears to exhibit disruption effects on the more strongly ordered bilayer membrane systems, with the EDTA based compounds displaying the most consistent pH dependent disruption. However, the more dynamic micellar aggregate models were less sensitive to disruption using the particular observation method employed.

No description available.

No description available.

Thesis (DBA(DoctorateofBusinessAdministration))--University of South Australia, 2001.

SDM is a process model, based on service marketing components, to position a service while concurrently being a service delivery management tool improving serviceen counter processes. Added to a service script, SDM can increase customer satisfaction, quality perception, voice levels and repurchase intentions in a general service encounter scenario as well as during episodes which include a failure. Addressing mishaps requires particular attention, since Consumer Complaint Behaviour research shows that most customers prefer to switch suppliers, rather than offer constructive feedback. This means that many service failures go unnoticed, with a large proportion of customers defecting. Since most services are performed in real time by service personnel, consistent quality output is a challenge. Therefore, occasional service failures are inevitable. Present research recognises this by offering suggestions, but does not present an integrated framework like SDM, using the presence of a customer during a service encounter as an unique opportunity to resolve issues on the spot. An elicitation process is used as a first step, attempting to improve voice and minimising lost feedback. Step two is a specific service recovery process, adapted to the failure type. SDM processes can also lead to a general increase of satisfaction and quality perception, regardless of whether or not there was a service failure. With satisfaction generally being regarded as an actual repurchase behaviour indicator, this may lead to increased sales turnover, while a higher quality perception may lead to a larger price premium tolerance and therefore higher profits. Higher service quality perceptions can also be used as a marketing positioning tool to differentiate a service from competitors. Data collected supported all hypotheses put forward in this thesis, showing statistically significant improvements on all key variables, including a satisfaction rating increase of 24percent when SDM was applied. In academic terms, the process model tested did not only link separate literature streams, but offered an integrated, proactive tool which is capable of operating in real time. Traditionally, academic models and their processes analyse results after an episode concludes, while SDM allows a provider to positively influence or manage satisfaction levels during the service delivery.

Diss. (sammanfattning) Uppsala : Uppsala universitet, 2006. / Härtill 6 uppsatser.