Advanced 3D Printing and Patterning Technologies for Drug Delivery & Biomaterials

About the Project

Additive manufacturing processes have advanced over the last 15 years. 3D Printing (a form of additive manufacturing) has unravelled in all areas of science and engineering. In pharmaceutical and biomaterial fields, opportunities to use 3D printing as means to control shape, structure, size, formulation and even porosity of materials e.g. films, tablets, capsules, etc. In this way 3D printing yields bespoke drug delivery systems (dosage forms) as well as devices that are used in the biomedical arena (e.g. dressings or patches). This PhD programme will focus on advancing 3D printing in the pharmaceutical field, through the development of multi-structured drug delivery systems. Such systems will be useful for co-delivery or controlled release technologies, where multiple drugs or actives have potential to be delivered simultaneously, or perform multiple functions. This PhD programme focuses on furthering the state-of-the-art through advanced materials (formulations) and/or advanced engineering methods and concepts (e.g. using bespoke 3D printing technology and other additive technologies). Projects will focus on the design, development, analysis and function of dosages or drug delivery systems. Further, detailed analysis using in vitro, in silico and potential ex-vivo assessments will provide greater insights and developmental platforms.

Advanced testing will be taken in conjunction with research collaborators nationally and internationally. Projects will comprise a multidisciplinary academic team (and candidate) will benefit from the state-of-the-art and pioneering research facilities at University of Manchester.

Access to specialised equipment, such as electron microscopy, spectrophotometers, bioimaging facilities, biological services and formulation analysis; will support materials development, characterisation, release kinetics and biological testing. Successful candidates will learn a wide range of analytical techniques (e.g. ATR-FTIR, HPLC, UV-Vis, Fluorescence Spectroscopy, Oscillatory Rheology) and other material characterisation (Electron Microscopy (SEM, TEM), AFM and X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS)). Candidates will also be encouraged (under the direction of the supervisory team) to participate in meetings with SME/commercial entities during the project.

These cutting-edge projects are aimed to distil a high level of knowledge and know-how for incoming candidates to facilitate their career in the biomaterial and pharmaceutical remits.

Candidates are expected to hold (or be about to obtain) a minimum 2:1 Bachelors Degree with Honours (or equivalent) in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences or a related subject. A Master’s degree in a relevant field and/or experience in Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical technologies, Drug delivery, Industrial pharmacy, or a related area is desirable but not essential. Candidates should also demonstrate a strong willingness to learn across various scientific disciplines.

Eligibility

Applicants must have obtained or be about to obtain a minimum Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in a relevant discipline.

Before you Apply

Applicants must make direct contact with preferred supervisors before applying. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to meet with potential supervisors, prior to submitting a formal online application.

How to Apply

To be considered for this project you MUST submit a formal online application form – on the application form select PhD Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Programme. Full details on how to apply can be found on the Website: How to apply for postgraduate research at The University of Manchester

If you have any queries regarding making an application please contact our admissions team FBMH.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk

Funding Notes

Applications are invited from self-funded students. This project has a Band 2 (med) fee. Details of our different fee bands can be found on our website View Website