Understanding effects of formulations on ingredient interactions with oral buccal tissue

This is a four-year PhD project sponsored by the BBSRC and Glaxo Smith Kline, UK. This PhD project aims to investigate the effects of specific excipients on the delivery of a range actives to oral mucosal tissue. Excipients in topical products may influence the uptake and residence time of ingredients in biological tissue. Although this has been demonstrated for topical formulations applied to the skin, the interplay of excipients and ingredients and how excipients influence delivery and residence time of ingredients in oral mucosal tissue has not been explored to date. An understanding of how these excipients act on specific ingredients will allow a rational approach to development of novel formulations to support and maintain consumers’ oral health. Analytical methods for assay of a range of excipients have already been developed by UCL and these will be employed in order to understand how excipients modulate delivery and residence time of the actives in the oral mucosa.

For further reading see also “Preparation, characterization and buccal permeation of naratriptan. Sattar et al. Int. J. Pharm., 493 (1-2), 146-151.”

Publications from the project are strongly encouraged. The student will be expected to visit GSK to present their research findings and the student will be supported to attend a number of international and national conferences as part of their professional development. The candidate is expected to hold a first degree in pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacy, chemistry or chemical engineering (minimum 2.1) and experience with bioengineering techniques would be advantageous. Ideally, the student would be able to start in October/November 2022 and will join a friendly and vibrant research community.

Main methods and techniques

In vitro permeation testing; biological sample preparation; high performance liquid chromatography; gas chromatography; mass spectrometry; tape stripping; trans epidermal water loss measurement; infrared spectroscopy; statistical analysis

Person specification

Applicants are expected to hold a first degree in Pharmacy, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or Pharmaceutical Sciences (minimum 2.1).

Applicants will also need to meet UCL MPhil/PhD entry and English Language requirements. See link for further details https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/research-degrees/pharmacy-mphil-phd

The student stipend will be paid at UCL normal rates (stipend rate for 2022/2023 is £17,983 with additional increments in Years 2 and 3 of the studentship). Home and EU students are eligible to apply.

How to apply

Applications must include CV, personal statement, and the contact details of two referees. Applications should be emailed to Ms Michelle Ward at [Email Address Removed]

Please note, previous applicants for this studentship need not reapply.

The deadline for applications is Monday 28^th February 2022 and interviews will take place on 16^th March 2022.