This project aims to develop a method to track and measure a polymer in skin, blood and milk.

The polymer (Nanocin™) is being used by Tecrea Ltd and partners to improve drug delivery for human and animal health applications.

As with any drug development program, it is important to be able to accurately measure the ingredients.

The experts at NPL will work with Tecrea scientists to apply high resolution stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy to solve the analysis challenge.

The custom-built SRS microscope will be used to measure levels in blood and visualise the distribution in skin with sub-micrometre resolution.

If successful, the new method will enable Tecrea to understand the mechanisms involved in the polymer-based nanoparticle drug formulations.

Also, the data will help the SME, partners and regulatory agencies to assess the safety situation prior to initiation of field and clinical trials.