About the Project

Progress in drug design has led to the development of new peptides, proteins, and drug molecules. However, the limited ability to deliver selectively these molecules at well-defined dosing regimens and without invoking drug-resistance remains a significant challenge. Another challenging aspect of some smaller sized biologics is the clearance rate. Certain modifications are required to enable effective residency time in the body. Therefore, the development of effective therapies relies on the development of effective carriers that can mitigate these challenges. Microfluidics (MFs) can be considered as a far greener process compared to other methods currently used by companies, not only by the reduced number of materials, but also the time (and hence subsequent energy exposure) taken for formulation. The system allows the production of encapsulated naomedicines with predictable sizes and PDI with the need for minimal post processing. This aspect means that a pharmacopoeia grade formulation can be produced in a short and economically viable way. The aim of this Ph.D. project, which includes formulation, scalability of the MF platform, computational modelling, in vitro and (potentially) in vivo studies, is the development of formulations for the successful delivery of biologics, which could be subject to extensive metabolism or clearance post-administration, which highlights the need for alternative formulation suing MFs. The goal is to develop and optimise a method to successfully delivering a range of biopharmaceutical molecules.

Subject area

Nanomedicines, drug delivery, microfluidics

Candidate requirements / Key skills required for the post

Applicants should have a 1st or 2.1 honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject. Relevant subjects include Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, Biological/Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry, Engineering, or a closely related discipline. Students who have a 2.2 honours degree and a Master’s degree may also be considered, but the School reserves the right to shortlist for interview only those applicants who have demonstrated high academic attainment to date.

Relevant links / more information

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

Keywords for search filters

pharmaceutics, microfluidics, nanomedicines, drug delivery, biologics

Training provided through the research project

The successful applicant will be integrated into QUB research groups of experienced researchers with access to world-leading facilities. The techniques that will be used during the project cover a wide-range and include: microfluidics, Atomic force microscopy (AFM), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Fourier-transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Rheology, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), and In Vitro Release Studies. Transferrable skill training will also include research management, personal effectiveness, communication skills, networking, team working and career management.

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.