Dendrimers for Drug delivery

We have worked with a number of water soluble polymer systems capable of encapsulating and solubilising various hydrophobic drug moieties. Despite the formation of stable complexes, we have demonstrated that encapsulated drug can also be released. Current target areas include cancer and anti-prion treatments. For this project we propose to develop a system for application in photo-dynamic therapy (PDT), as we already have a collaboration in the school of medicine. The project will involve the synthesis of “hybrid” macromolecules that contain a star polymeric core, with globular hyperbranched units on their surface. The principle is that the large hyperbranched polymers will prevent the core collapsing. As such, there will be a large space inside these systems, which will be capable of binding large therapeutic molecules (porphyrin aggregates, peptides, etc…). However, the molecules generated and principles learnt will form the basis of a generic delivery system that can be applied to encapsulate and deliver a number of drug molecules and types. In addition to synthesis, the project will also involve a study into the encapsulation and release properties of any therapeutic molecules, as well as their biological activity.

For more information, please contact Dr Twyman ([Email Address Removed]) and see Dr Lance J. Twyman | Chemistry | The University of Sheffield

Subject Area: synthetic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, drug delivery and macromolecules.

Click here to apply. Your application should be accompanied by a 1-page personal statement outlining your reasons for applying.

Funding

Applicants should have a scholarship or be self-funded. 

Requirements: At least a 2:1 honours degree or an MSc in Chemistry, or a related subject.