About the Project

The development and testing of drugs currently rely mainly on animal models, which may require many years before results can be translated into clinical practice. The development of new medicines is resource-intensive, and the high costs of development and attrition rates in drug development represent significant challenges for the pharmaceutical industry, healthcare providers and patients. Enhanced screening tools could help address the problem of late-stage failures and reduce the attrition rate of drugs in the clinical development pipeline by providing more informative, critical information at an earlier stage. Most in-vitro studies are conducted using common 2D cell culture methods that fail to recapitulate the biological cues inherent in native tissue. By mimicking human organ physiology within microfluidic platforms, these systems offer a powerful alternative to traditional cell cultures and animal models. This project will manufacture a microfluidic (lab-on-a-chip) device to mimic the 3D microenvironment in vitro more closely giving rise to the more physiologically relevant of the disease in question. The research will focus on developing scalable, multi-organ chips, optimizing biomimetic conditions, and validating drug responses to accelerate safer and more effective drug development.

Briefly describe the training that will be provided through the research project

The techniques that will be used during the project cover a wide-range and include Contact Angle Goniometry (CAG), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, Rheology, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Bioprinted and microfluidic equipment and software, In Vitro Studies, and modelling. Transferrable skill training will also include research management, personal effectiveness, communication skills, networking, team working and career management.

Briefly outline the expected impact activities

The PhD student would be encouraged to engage in a variety of impact activities, disseminate the research project findings through public talks, and participate in QUB showcase events. Examples of impact activities includes Blogs or web articles, Magazine articles, public lectures, School visits, oral & poster Presentations (at local, national and international conferences), and Publication of scientific papers in peer reviewed journals.

Funding Notes

This project is not funded; applications are welcome from self-funding candidates.

References

Organ-on-a-Chip, lab-on-a-chip, Microfluidics, Drug Screening, Biomimetic Models, Toxicology