New Perspectives in Science Education

The awarding of the Nobel Prizes in Chemistry and Medicine in 2023 is closely related to nanotechnology. Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman received the prize in the medical field for fundamental research on mRNA vaccines against Covid-19, where the mRNA is encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles to prevent premature degradation by enzymes [1].

With this in mind, we present a way to convey this topic in chemistry education for schools and student labs. For this, we use the innovative method of a digital differentiation grid [2], and for the specific context, we focus on nanomedicine, or more precisely: targeted drug delivery.

Conventional pharmaceutical drug systems usually have a systemic effect and cause severe side effects throughout the body due to the high doses applied. However, at the site of infection, the dose is often insufficient for successful treatment. This problem can be solved by using targeted drug delivery systems (DDS). Similar to mRNA vaccines, the active pharmaceutical ingredients are wrapped in nanoparticles and protected, thus preventing early release. The active ingredient is only released at the required location because of specific stimuli, such as pH or temperature. Within the learning module, various experiments and exercises about DDS are conducted, allowing students to gain insight into this current research topic [3]. The structure is based on a differentiation grid, enabling the topic to be approached individually depending on learning requirements [2]. Moreover, we use iPads and eBooks that include further digital elements to enhance students' motivation and engagement with the topic.