Development of a Novel Long Term Composite Dosage Form for Controlled Transmucosal Drug Delivery

About the Project

Despite the number of mucoadhesive dosage forms available, the delivery of drugs through the mucosa still presents major challenges such as a lack of drug localization due to their short residence times, difficulties in accurate drug dosing and poor patient compliance. In addressing the unmet need, this project intends to develop novel hydrogel composite structure via continuous manufacturing technologies (twin screw extrusion, TSE) that overcome current challenges and deliver maximum patient benefits in treating a wide range of mucosal illnesses. The research objectives are to:

1. Develop and optimise novel hydrogel composite formulation by continuous TSE process
2. Mechanical and in vitro performance testing of composites
3. In vitro and in vivo biocompatibility assessment.

This project will give the student the opportunity to train and work across several disciplines including functional materials, mucoadhesive formulations, continuous pharmaceutical processing, 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 Colin Seaton (Chemistry) 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, Health and allied areas 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.

About the University of Bradford

Bradford is a research-active University supporting the highest-quality research. We excel in applying our research to benefit our stakeholders by working with employers and organisations world-wide across the private, public, voluntary and community sectors and actively encourage and support our postgraduate researchers to engage in research and business development activities.

Positive Action Statement

At the University of Bradford our vision is a world of inclusion and equality of opportunity, where people want to, and can, make a difference. We place equality and diversity, inclusion, and a commitment to social mobility at the centre of our mission and ethos. In working to make a difference we are committed to addressing systemic inequality and disadvantages experienced by Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic staff and students.

Under sections 158-159 of the Equality Act 2010, positive action can be taken where protected group members are under-represented. At Bradford, our data show that people from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic groups who are UK nationals are significantly under-represented at the postgraduate researcher level.

These are lawful measures designed to address systemic and structural issues which result in the under-representation of Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic students in PGR studies.

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.