Biography
Research Interests
My PhD research focussed on the synthesis and characterisation of polymeric drug delivery devices. Where I developed novel hydrogel polymeric medical devices which could be used to prolong the drug release and enhance human health. During my postdoctoral research as a Cambridge funded Howard Fellow and Senior Scientist with the Macular Pigment Research Group (MPRG), I have published scientific papers on the stability of dietary supplements and on the ability of meso-zeaxanthin, an eye exclusive carotenoid to be accumulated in the organs of supplemented animals. My current research interests are focussed on the development of nutritionally supplemented foods and the controlled release of pharmaceuticals from polymeric medical devices.
Engagement and Collaboration
Current Research Students
Project title: Enhancing the bioavailability of macular carotenoids from supplement formulations. in collaboration with professor John Nolan and Dr Rachel Moran in the Waterford Institute of Technology. Project ongoing (Started in September 2017).
Publications
Peer Reviewed Journal Articles
Phelan D, Prado-Cabrero A, Nolan JM. Stability of Commercially Available Macular Carotenoid Supplements in Oil and Powder Formulations. Nutrients. 2017;9(10):1133. doi:10.3390/nu9101133.
Phelan D, Prado-Cabrero A, Nolan JM. Analysis of Lutein, Zeaxanthin, and Meso-Zeaxanthin in the Organs of Carotenoid-Supplemented Chickens. Foods. 2018; 7(2):20 doi:10.3390/foods7020020
Conference Papers
Phelan, D., Fitzhenry, L., Coffey, A. and McLoughlin, P. “Development of Contact Lenses for Ocular Drug Delivery" Bioengineering Ireland, 2013
Phelan, D., Fitzhenry, L., Coffey, A. and McLoughlin, P. “Development of Contact Lenses for Ocular Drug Delivery" Eurotech 2013, Lyon, France, 2013
Phelan, D., Fitzhenry, L., Coffey, A. and McLoughlin, P. “Development of Contact Lenses for Ocular Drug Delivery" GSS-MIP, Belfast, 2013