Supramolecular hydrogels: from understanding of structure to applications in drug delivery (KHIMYAKU16SF)

Hydrogels offer a highly biocompatible and tunable solution for drug delivery. Taking into account a significant recent growth in the interest in pharmaceutical systems that can produce such soft solids, it is important to gain a molecular level control of gelation which drive the formation of such supramolecular assembled networks.

This PhD project aims at developing novel soft materials for controlled drug release based on the understanding of intermolecular interactions in gels at different time and length scales. Recent advances in application of such systems in drug delivery relied mostly on empirical trial-and-errors aiming at controlling rheological properties. We will aim at achieving a molecular level understanding of gelation via application of advanced NMR, other spectroscopic and modelling methodologies. The ultimate goal of the project will be to develop NMR/modelling generic strategy in which the final outcome of gelation upon inclusion of a pharmaceutical molecules as a guest or a co-gelator could be predicted at different stages of gelation.

The project presents an excellent opportunity for gaining research skills in several exciting research areas ranging from the development of new materials to their advanced characterisation using modern spectroscopic, thermal and structure determination focused methods. You will contribute to a challenging area of research with considerable industrial relevance and potential to make a significant impact on the development of novel pharmaceutical materials. Through completing the project you will acquire knowledge of a wide range of computational and experimental methods (including different aspects of NMR spectroscopy) chemistry essential in highly competitive academic or industrial environments.

The position is available for graduates in the fields of chemistry, materials science, physics or pharmacy with a degree classification of 2.1 or above (of its equivalent). For further information please contact Prof. Yaroslav Khimyak ([Email Address Removed]) as soon as possible.