3D printed antifungal mucuoadhesive patches for the treatment of oral mucosal infections

About the Project

Candidiasis caused by Candida albicans is the most prevalent fungal infection affecting the human oral cavity. Although C. albicans is commonly found in the oral microbiota of healthy individuals, it can occasionally overgrow and lead to various fungal infections, often triggered by changes or deficiencies in the host's immune response.

About this opportunity

Treating oral candidiasis typically requires extended use of antifungal medications. For localized and uncomplicated cases in immunocompetent patients, topical antifungal treatments are generally preferred due to their ability to deliver high concentrations of the drug directly to the affected site.

However, a key challenge in administering antifungals to the oral cavity is their rapid clearance, primarily due to saliva flow and tongue movement, which dilute and remove the medication quickly. Additionally, most antifungal agents lack natural affinity for adhering to the oral mucosa, making sustained drug presence at the infection site difficult to achieve. As a result, the most effective therapeutic outcomes are likely to be realized through advanced formulations that can provide controlled and sustained drug release within the mouth. Many of these delivery systems are designed to enhance mucosal drug absorption rather than merely releasing the drug into saliva.

The aim of this studentship is to develop 3D printed mucoadhesive drug delivery patch provide attachment of the delivery system on the oral mucosa and provide extended release of the drug without being washed out from the application side. The research objectives are to (i) Develop, optimize and characterise 3D printed antifungal loaded patches, (ii) Antifungal evaluation of 3d printed patches and (ii) Biocompatibility evaluation in in vitro models

Candidates wishing to apply should complete the University of Liverpool application form How to apply for a PhD – University of Liverpool applying for a PhD in Materials Engineering and uploading: Degree Certificates & Transcripts, an up-to-date CV, a covering letter/personal statement and two academic references.

Supervisors:

Raechelle D’Sa - r.dsa@liverpool.ac.uk

Jenny Hanson - Zippy78@liverpool.ac.uk