Liposomal Antibiotic for Improved Treatment of Respiratory Infection

About the Project

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a major global risk to human health by causing death, disability, longer hospitalisations, and increased healthcare costs. In respiratory diseases such as Cystic Fibrosis (CF) and COPD, the lungs are colonized by diverse polymicrobial bacterial communities. Inhaled antibiotics are currently only used in the treatment of chronic P. aeruginosa infection in CF and a major challenge with such treatment is antibiotic penetration into sputum. We have developed formulations with excellent powder properties for pulmonary delivery. We have extensive data to show that several antibiotics used in the treatment of chronic lung infection can be encapsulated in these formulations.

The aim of this project will be to determine the activity of nanoparticle encapsulated antibiotics using planktonic and biofilm models of infection. Formulation studies will be undertaken to optimize antimicrobial activity. Extensive training will be provided throughout the project as part of internationally renowned research teams.

Successful applicants will demonstrate a keen interest in development of treatments for bacterial infection and a desire to make a significant contribution to the field. Candidates should be motivated team-players with the ability to learn quickly, work with ambition and integrity and proactively develop their research. Effective communication should be demonstrated by a strong application and CV specifically tailored to this studentship.

Subject area

Pharmaceutical formulation, drug delivery, liposomes, microbiology, antimicrobial resistance

Candidate requirements / Key skills required for the post

MPharm, BSc Hons degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Chemistry, Engineering or equivalent. Technical experience and knowledge in some of the following would be desirable: pharmaceutical formulation, protein purification.

Relevant links / more information

http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofPharmacy/Research/

Training provided through the research project

Extensive training will be provided in all aspects of the fundamentals of nanoparticle manufacture together with physicochemical methods required to optimise the manufacturing process, and to characterise antibiotic products such as thermal stability and microbiological activity.

planning and organising skills: designing and planning of experiments

numeracy and statistical skills

teamwork skills

Expected impact activities

This project is aligned with ongoing research in the research group and is expected to contribute towards significant research publications demonstrating the potential to improve antibiotic efficacy when delivered by inhalation using liposomes.