Sustained Release of Eutectic systems composed of Local Anaesthetics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents from biodegradable electrospun mats to Enhance Post-Surgical Recovery

About the Project

Major abdominal surgery is a metabolically and psychologically significant event associated with prolonged recovery and convalescence. Patients experience debilitating post-operative fatigue for up to three months even after uncomplicated abdominal surgery. Prolonged recovery is associated with significant physiological, psychological and social disturbances. A significant financial burden is also placed on patients because of delayed return to work and activities of daily living. This significantly affects the patient’s quality of life in terms of mental well-being, social functioning, and role limitations.

In conjunction with the University of Auckland, we have previously shown that intraperitoneal administration of local anaesthetics leads to improved postoperative recovery after major abdominal surgery (translated into a 50% reduction in opioid use). Ongoing research has led to the development of a non-degradable implant, produced by hot melt extrusion, that offers controlled release of lidocaine. However, there are concerns with the physical stability of this system and this has led to the development of new technologies by QUB and the University of Auckland (Patent applied for) in which the stability of lidocaine is enhanced using eutectic technologies.

This PhD project will extend this research by developing a system in which lidocaine and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent are codelivered from a biodegradable extruded platform that has been manufactured using electrospinning. Notably this system offers two significant improvements. Firstly, the combined release of two therapeutic agents, physically stabilised by eutectic technologies, will offer clinical advantages in pain release. Secondly the use of biodegradable platforms will avoid the need for retrieval of the exhausted device.

Subject area

Pharmaceutical Engineering and Biomaterials Science

Candidate requirements / Key skills required for the post

Enthusiasm to develop new implants that may benefit human health

Background: Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences/Biotechnology, Chemistry, Material Science, Biomedical Engineering

Relevant links / more information

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

Keywords for search filters

Infection, medical device, biodegradable polymers, degradation

Training provided through the research project

All training will be provided namely (a) pharmaceutical manufacture (b) pharmaceutical materials science (c) drug delivery (d) pharmaceutical analysis

Expected impact activities

In conjunction with the University of Auckland, we aim to go to animal trials with this implant

Funding Notes

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