Microfluidic technologies applied to respiratory diseases

Subject area: 3D Printing, lab-on-a-chip, Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Technology

In Preclinical studies, a large number of molecules and biomolecules, in a very short time, have to be evaluated in terms of efficacy and toxicity. More than 300 compounds are screened per year in order to select the best one for development. In this elusive and chaotic scenario, the in-vitro evaluation of API’s properties and the way to formulate them must be explored. To respond to the urgent demand from regulatory authorities to reduce in-vivo experiments, in vitro – in vivo correlation is such an important field to focus on. With this in mind, the ability to screen in vitro different formulations in order to select only the promising ones to be administered in-vivo, to reach a selected target (e.g., a desired PK profile), should be deeply studied. Therefore, the aim in this project, is the feasibility of nanoparticles by screening their release through an advanced lab-on-a-chip model in order to punctually select best formulations for in-vivo testing.   

During the project, two main technologies will be evaluated and merged: 3D-Bioprinting and microfluidics. In order to focus on release study of APIs, an advanced Lab-on-a-chip able to mimic the release of nanoparticle in-vivo will be designed. Pulmonary release-on-a-chip will be projected combing the features of 3D-printing and bioprinting with microfluidics. A lung-on-a-chip will be manufactured by 3D printing technologies mimicking the pulmonary tissue. Moreover, the manufacturing and screening of different Nanoformulations will also take place during the project.

The specific objectives of this work are as follows:

(i) Optimization and manufacturing of a lung-on-a-chip.

(ii) Synthesis of lipid nanomedicines containing biopharmaceutical molecule(s).

(iii) Screening of different Nanoformulations using the lung-on-a-chip.

(iv) Biophysics (simulation studies).

Applicants should have a 1^st or 2.1 honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject. Relevant subjects include Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, Biological/Biomedical Sciences, Chemistry, chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline. Students who have a 2.2 honours degree and a Master’s degree may also be considered, but the school reserves the right to shortlist for interview only those applicants who have demonstrated high academic attainment to date.

The successful applicant will be integrated into QUB research groups of experienced researchers with access to world-leading facilities, and will work in close collaboration with Leading Pharmaceutical Company. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to spend time to the industrial sponsor and being exposed to industrial view on drug development, attend conferences, mini courses & workshops for further development.

The techniques that will be used during the project cover a wide-range and include: Atomic Force Microscope (AFM), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Fourier-transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, Rheology, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), ζ-Potential and Size Measurements, Contact Angle Goniometry (CAG), Raman Microscopy, In Vitro Release Studies, Cell Culture / Cytotoxicity Assays, and Simulation Studies. Transferrable skill training will also include research management, personal effectiveness, communication skills, networking, team working and career management. 

The PhD student would be encouraged to engage in a variety of impact activities, disseminate the research project findings through public talks, and participate in QUB showcase events. Examples of impact activities includes: Blogs or web articles, Magazine articles, public lectures, School visits, oral & poster Presentations (at local, national and international conferences), and Publication of scientific papers in peer reviewed journals. 

Keywords: Drug Delivery, Microfluidics, lab-on-a-chip, Nanomedicine, Biopharmaceutics