Bio-inspired 3D printing of macro- and micro-architectures for drug delivery dosage forms and devices

About the Project

Bio-inspiration is an emerging field where naturally occurring designs and structure are used as inspiration to produce new array of materials of exceptional properties. 3D printing provides the ability to generate complex designs needed to investigate geometrical effects on mechanical, acceptability and in vitro performance in bioinspired structures.

The overall aim of this project is to combine the power of digital design, 3D printing to design and prototype a bioinspired macro- and micro-structures with the potential of functioning as drug delivery dosage forms (capsule of complex structure) or drug delivery device (transdermal microneedles).

The project will involve using several techniques such as computer aided design (CAD), 3D printing technologies, lyophilization, physical characterization of active and dosage forms, essential protein formulation skills, and in vitro permeability studies and in vivo proof of concept in model animals.

Person specification

We are looking to recruit ambitious and motivated graduates with pharmacy or engineering background who are interested in carrying out ground-breaking research for fabrication and functionalisation of next-generation drug delivery systems for proteins.

Research training

The candidate will pursue a PhD programme in the Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King’s College London. The institute is top 20 Pharmacy and pharmacology school in QS university ranking.