Provide a brief description of 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. Therefore, the development of effective therapies relies on the development of effective carriers that can mitigate these challenges. The use of carriers such as lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), prevents a variety of proteases from early degradation of the protein-based molecules. The initial step of encapsulation within an LNP also provides the opportunity for future membrane modification. This would open the door to a higher capacity for targeted delivery or altering pharmacokinetic parameters such as residence time. 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. MFs allows the production of encapsulated NPs 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.
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 microfluidics, Atomic force microscopy (AFM), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Fourier-transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, 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.
Briefly outline the expected impact activities
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, 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.
Briefly outline the anticipated costs of running this project and how these will be met
The bench fees for this PhD are £7,000 and may be covered by the self-funded applicant, the PhD funder, the university's international funding scheme, or other potential sources of support, as applicable.
Further Funding Details
Every year the school receives an allocation of funded studentships from the Northern Ireland Department for the Economy (DfE), which can include provision for a small number of fully-funded international studentships. These studentships, which cover tuition fees, stipend and a contribution to running costs, are allocated through a competitive process, with applicants shortlisted and interviewed. All UK applicants will be automatically considered for these studentships and international students with no other funding can request that they be considered for DfE support. However, international DfE studentships are extremely competitive, and applicants should indicate that they wish to be considered for DfE support on their application form.
