The Shape of Things to Come: Personalized 3D Printed Medicines

The current landscape for medical treatment centers on the “one size fits all” approach where almost all patients are given the same drugs at the same frequencies. Administering the same dose to different individuals has been shown to have varied efficacy given the variation in individual characteristics. The pharmaceutical manufacturing processes used today were introduced 200 years ago and are still used despite significant technological advancement. Three dimensional (3D) printing has immense potential to revolutionize medicines manufacturing by providing a rapid means of fabricating small or ‘one-off’ batches tailored for individual needs.

The aim of this PhD studentship will be to employ 3D extrusion-based printing for the fabrication of multiactive “polypills”. The polypill will be able to combine complex medication regimes into a single tablet that satisfies the individual needs of a patient. 3D printing will be used to develop complex geometries at high spatial resolution that will allow for variable and predictable drug release. In this highly interdisciplinary studentship, the student will gain skills in computer aided design (CAD) modelling, 3D printing,  materials synthesis, materials characterisation (Ultraviolet-Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), high performance liquid chromatography HPLC) Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM)) and cell biocompatibility studies.

We want all of our staff and Students to feel that Liverpool is an inclusive and welcoming environment that actively celebrates and encourages diversity. We are committed to working with students to make all reasonable project adaptations including supporting those with caring responsibilities, disabilities or other personal circumstances. For example, If you have a disability you may be entitled to a Disabled Students Allowance on top of your studentship to help cover the costs of any additional support that a person studying for a doctorate might need as a result.

We believe everyone deserves an excellent education and encourage students from all backgrounds and personal circumstances to apply.

Applicant Eligibility

Candidates will have, or be due to obtain, a Master’s Degree or equivalent from a reputable University in an appropriate field of Engineering. Exceptional candidates with a First Class Bachelor’s Degree in an appropriate field will also be considered.

Application Process

Candidates wishing to apply should complete the University of Liverpool application form [How to apply for a PhD - University of Liverpool] applying for a PhD in Materials Engineering and uploading: Degree Certificates & Transcripts, an up-to-date CV, a covering letter/personal statement and two academic references.