Formulation and biopharmaceutical characterisation of novel pro-antibiotics for improved oral permeability

This project is focused on the formulation, synthesis, and biopharmaceutical characterisation of novel pro-antibiotics for improved oral bioavailability.  

Following oral administration, dissolved drug accesses target tissues through epithelial cells lining the gastrointestinal tract. However, the poor solubility of a drug limits its biological activity.  

In the case of antibiotics, both solubility and permeability are impaired making effective delivery particularly difficult.  

Characterisation of synthesised materials, taking into account its solid state and physicochemical stability upon storage conditions and biochemical stability in bodily fluids as well as solubility and intrinsic dissolution rate will be carried out using among the others: nuclear magnetic resonance, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis and powder X-ray diffraction, as well as spectroscopic methods. 

In order to assess the impact of potentially improved dissolution and solubility on the permeation of the drug, studies will be carried out in vitro using parallel artificial membrane permeability assays (PAMPA) and intestinal perfusion assays using models of gastrointestinal epithelial cells monolayers.  

Studies will include a qualitative and quantitative assessment of pro-antibiotics antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and negative bacteria strains. 

New materials will be formulated into the advanced oral drug delivery system using such processing techniques as spray drying and tableting. 

This is an interdisciplinary project, and the project scope will be managed proportionally to the abilities and interests of the student.  

An ideal candidate would be an organic chemist or material scientist engineer with an interest in biopharmaceutics, biochemist, or pharmacist with a strong science background.