| Title | Multiscale characterization of particle dissolution |
|---|---|
| Supervisors | Zahra Rattray Daniel Markl |
| Research Area | Advanced manufacturing (Daniel Markl), Drug Delivery (Health and Wellbeing – Z Rattray) |
| Description | Subcutaneous delivery of controlled release suspension formulations is presenting an attractive strategy for the delivery of non-orally bioavailable compounds. As the implementation of these delivery systems in the management of chronic conditions becomes more commonplace, there is a need to better profile their safety and efficacy. Traditional methods of microsphere evaluation rely on dissolution testing in buffer systems. While these approaches are sufficient to ensure batch-to-batch consistency in the manufacture of microspheres, they do not provide sufficient insight into the biological fate of these formulations and their in vivo performance. In this project you will consider the impact of process and formulation variables (particle size and surface attributes) on microsphere dissolution profiles. A range of particle metrology, material characterization and in situ imaging approaches will be used to experimentally probe the dissolution of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microspheres under physiologically-relevant conditions. Experimental readout will be used to develop models of microsphere dissolution and drug release. You will have access to world-leading facilities within the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences and the Continuous Manufacturing and Crystallization Future Manufacturing Hub. The supervisory team are experts in formulation and product design, and Process Analytical Technology with pharmaceutical industry experience and links. |
| Techniques Used | In situ analytical characterization; Particle metrology; imaging; in silico modelling |
| References | |
| Conditions | Applicants should possess or be about to obtain a 1st class or 2:1 Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline in addition to receipt of satisfactory references and an IELTS score of 6.5 where appropriate. We encourage highly-competitive and motivated students with an interest in the pharmaceutical industry and a background in chemical engineering or pharmaceutical sciences to apply for this project |
| Bench Fee | Running costs of £10000 p.a. will be associated with this project in addition to University tuition fees. |
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