Number of awards
1
Start date and duration
September 2021 for 42 months.
Overview
Conventional medical implants are difficult for patients to self-manage because they need to be administered surgically. This project aims to develop a medical microimplant that patients can administer themselves, thus empowering them to take control of their long-term medications. We have developed a novel polymeric material that demonstrates extended drug release properties suitable for implantable devices. In this project, we will demonstrate the proof of concept for the microimplant based on microneedles, by fully characterising the physicochemical properties of the polymeric material, manufacture the microimplants from it, incorporate suitable drugs, optimise the formulation, and examine the stability, drug release profile and biocompatibility of the microimplants. You will learn how to engineer a complex pharmaceutical product by developing and combining skills in microfabrication, chemical engineering, material science, pharmaceutical formulation/pharmaceutics, chemical analysis, tissue culture and toxicological testing.project, we will demonstrate the proof of concept for the microimplant by fully characterising the physicochemical properties of the polymeric material, manufacture the microimplants from it, incorporate suitable drugs, optimise the formulation, and examine the stability, drug release profile and biocompatibility of the microimplants. You will learn how to engineer a complex pharmaceutical product by developing and combining skills in microfabrication, chemical engineering, material science, pharmaceutical formulation, chemical analysis, tissue culture and toxicological testing.
Sponsor
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
Name of supervisor(s)
Dr Keng Wooi Ng, School of Pharmacy, Dr Katarina Novakovic, School of Engineering and Dr Wing Man Lau, School of Pharmacy.
Eligibility Criteria
You must have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 honours degree or international equivalent, in a subject relating to the pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, chemical engineering, material science or biomedical engineering. A further qualification such as an MRes in a related discipline is advantageous.
The award is available to UK and international applicants. Depending on how you meet the EPSRC’s eligibility criteria, you may be entitled to a full or a partial award. The award will only partially cover the tuition fees for an international student, in which case the student is expected to cover the balance (currently £19,500 a year, subject to annual increments).
If English is not your first language, you must have an overall IELTS score of 7.0, with a minimum of 6.5 in each sub-skill. Equivalent English language qualification may be accepted.
How to apply
You must apply through the University’s online postgraduate application system by creating an account. To do this, please select ‘How to Apply’ and choose the ‘Apply now’ button.
All relevant fields should be completed. All fields marked with a red asterisk must be completed.
You will need to:
- Click on programme of study
- Insert 8300F in the programme code section and click search
- Select Programme name ‘PhD in the Faculty of Medical Sciences (full time) - Pharmacy
- Insert TC025 in the studentship/partnership reference field
- Attach a covering letter and CV. The covering letter must state the title of the studentship, quote reference code TC025 and state how your interests and experience relate to the project
- Attach degree transcripts and certificates and, if English is not your first language, a copy of your English language qualification. You will not be able to submit your application until you have submitted your degree transcript/s.
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