Lipid Implants for Controlled Release of Proteins Dissertation to obtain the Degree of Doctor of Natural Sciences (Dr. rer. nat.) from the Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy University of Regensburg Presented by Stephanie Könnings from Roth September 2006 This work was carried out from March 2002 until September 2006 at the Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Regensburg. The thesis was prepared under supervision of Prof. Dr. Achim Goepferich. Submission of the PhD. application : 29.09.2006 Date of examination : 14.11.2006 Examination board : Chairman: Prof. Dr. Elz 1. Expert: Prof. Dr. Goepferich 2. Expert: Prof. Dr. Franz 3. Examiner: Prof. Dr. Buschauer Meiner Familie in Liebe und Dankbarkeit gewidmet ‚Wer recht erkennen will, muss zuvor in richtiger Weise gezweifelt haben.’ Aristoteles Table of Contents Chapter 1 Introduction and Goals of the Thesis.......................................... 7 Chapter 2 Lipospheres as Delivery Systems for Peptides and Proteins.........21 Chapter 3 Towards Controlled Release of BDNF — Manufacturing Strategies for Protein Loaded Lipid Implants and Biocompatibility Evaluation in the Brain .....................................