Development of a Data-Driven Model for Predicting Drug Release in 3D-Printed Pharmaceutical Tablets

About the Project

Pharmaceutical tablets, traditionally produced through compaction processes, have been limited to simple geometries, such as squares, circles, ovals, and triangles. Yet, research suggests that tablet geometry plays a crucial role in regulating drug release. With the advent of 3D printing technologies, however, the fabrication of intricate geometries has become feasible, opening avenues for custom dosage pharmaceutical tablets tailored to individual patient needs. Nevertheless, designing such personalised tablets requires a profound understanding of tablet dissolution behaviour and drug release kinetics, which are influenced by numerous factors.

This PhD project aims to bridge this knowledge gap by developing a data-driven model to elucidate the drug release and dissolution behaviour of 3D-printed pharmaceutical tablets. Utilising Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based techniques such as deep learning, the aim is to discern intricate patterns and features within the vast dataset encompassing various tablet geometries, formulations, and environmental conditions. A dataset will be created based on the different parameters and conditions. The dataset is pre-processed, and deep neural networks will be employed to process the data to predict different desired outcomes in terms of drug release. The interdisciplinary nature of this research entails integrating principles from design and 3D printing, numerical modelling, experimental testing and utilisation of machine learning.

The PhD Programme

The DMU PhD provides a solid education for a research career, whether you stay in academic research or move to industry. There is a well-developed Researcher Development Programme which you will undertake alongside your research, supporting you through each year of your PhD. Working closely with your supervisors, you will undertake open-ended research. As part of a vibrant PhD community in the Faculty, you will have training opportunities which lead to presentations at international conferences and in writing papers in leading academic journals as the research progresses into the later stages of the PhD. The student will graduate with skills and knowledge at the forefront of academic and industrial expectations.

Entry Requirements

You must have achieved or be close to achieving a UK Honours Degree with at least an upper second class (2:1) or a Master's Degree or an academic or professional qualification with relevant experience in the sector or industry which is deemed to be equivalent, or international equivalent

Closing date: 1 year from the date of uploading. Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.

Starting date: There are three intakes a year at DMU, and it is expected that the successful candidate will start either in January 2026, April 2026 or October 2026.

How to apply

To apply for a research degree, you will need to apply via our Admissions Portal https://dmuhub.dmu.ac.uk/apply/index.html. You are required to provide the documentation as listed within section 5b at https://www.dmu.ac.uk/doctoral-college/how-to-apply/how-to-apply.aspx

Studied at DMU previously? If you have studied at DMU previously, please submit the documentation listed in 5b via email to pgradmissions@dmu.ac.uk, not through the admissions portal. You will also need to complete and attach our application form and annexe form alongside the documents requested below:

You will need to select a programme code when applying from a list of research degree programme codes. Please select the programme code closest to your research proposal.:

Funding Notes

This is a self-funded project and you will need to have sufficient funds in place (e.g., through a scholarship, personal funds and or other sources) to meet the tuition fees and living expenses for the duration of the degree programme.

DMU has information on scholarships and other funding opportunities at View Website