Controlled Release Trans-Scleral Dissolving Microneedles for Intraocular Delivery

About the Project

The Retinal diseases, such as macular degeneration, retinal detachment and diabetic retinopathy are the leading causes of vision impairment. The most common way of delivering drugs to the retina is through topical therapy, usually in the form of eye drops. This usually requires 2 to 4 times a day administration by the patient, which results in poor patient compliance, and is short-acting. On other hand, long-acting treatment, which involves intravitreal injections, can lead to severe complications such as cataracts, retinal detachment, and elevated intraocular pressure. Hence this project aims to design and develop dissolving microneedles for the posterior segment of the eye.

The research objectives are to:

1. Develop, and optimise microneedle-based formulation
2. Mechanical and in vitro performance testing of MNs
3. In vitro and in vivo biocompatibility assessment
4. Ex vivo evaluation using porcine sclera.

These microneedles formulations are designed to improve patient compliance, reduce drug toxicity, enhance pharmacokinetics, and provide long-acting drug release.

This project will give the student the opportunity to train and work across several disciplines including materials science, micro needle-based formulation design, materials characterisation, and toxicology and efficacy testing. The student will be working with a highly dynamic research team led by Dr Rahamatullah Shaikh (Centre for Pharmaceutical Engineering Sciences), Dr Jonathan Denniss (Optometry) and Dr Steven Shnyder (Institute of Cancer Therapeutics). The main research activities of the Principal Supervisor, Dr Shaikh’s research group are to design and develop novel formulation strategies and next-generation drug delivery technologies to enhance therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance. There will also be an opportunity to collaborate with industry professionals and prominent academic leaders in shaping this significant PhD project. The skills that the student will acquire during this PhD program are highly transferable and suitable for a potential career in academia, R&D or industry in the UK or internationally.

Eligibility

The successful candidate will have a background in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering and/or related disciplines.

How to apply

Formal applications can be submitted via the University of Bradford web site; applicants will need to register an account, select 'Postgraduate Research' as the course and then use the keyword 'pharmacy'. Applicants should then specify the project title in the 'Research Proposal' section.

Funding Notes

This is a self-funded PhD project; applicants will be expected to pay their own fees or have a suitable source of third-party funding. A bench fee also applies to this project, in addition to the tuition fees. UK students may be able to apply for a Doctoral Loan from Student Finance for financial support.