RA in Modelling of Chemically Controlled Hollow Microneedles for Drug Delivery

Project Description

Loughborough University is working collaboratively with Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) to develop the next-generation hollow microneedle systems for drug delivery. The project is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), UK.

Traditional pharmaceutical drugs are small molecules that treat the symptoms of a disease. Biopharmaceuticals are larger molecules, for example, peptides, proteins and antibodies, which target the underlying mechanisms and pathways of a disease that are not accessible with traditional drugs. Therapeutic peptides, proteins and antibodies are expected to be used extensively in the coming years as vaccines and as treatments for cancer, high blood pressure, pain, blood clots and many other illnesses. However, one of the major challenges to successful clinical use of these so-called "biotech" molecules is their efficient delivery to the site of action.

In order to address these challenges, a novel type of transdermal patch, based on chemically controlled hollow microneedles, that can bypass the skin's barrier layer (stratum corneum) is being developed. The patch creates tiny holes in the stratum corneum, through which the biopharmaceuticals can enter the body from a reservoir system powered by simple and safe chemistry. The development of this technology relies on a combination of experimental and theoretical/modelling that will provide a full understanding of how these systems perform.

This project aims to develop a numerical framework for modelling and optimising chemically controlled hollow microneedles for drug delivery, in combination with the experimental components to be conducted at QUB.

Informal enquiries may be made to Dr Diganta Das via email at [email protected]

Closing date for applications is 21 April 2024.

Please see Job Description and Person Specification here.

Visa Sponsorship: 

For candidates who would require sponsorship to work in the UK to achieve sufficient points under the Points Based Immigration System, it is likely that you will either need to: 

• Have completed a PhD in a subject relevant to the job. 

OR