Nanoparticle synthesis for drug delivery

(ref. BAP-2023-41)

Laatst aangepast : 23/01/2023

This work will be carried out under the supervision of Prof. Simon Kuhn. The research group is specifically interested in Transport Processes and Reactions, with expertise centered on experimental and computational aspects of transport limitations in chemical engineering applications, and their scale-up from lab to production scale. We exploit microreaction technology for the continuous manufacturing of fine chemicals, and to efficiently integrate non-conventional and green energy sources (e.g. ultrasound, photo- and electrochemistry) to achieve sustainable processes. The rational approach of combining numerical and experimental techniques contributes to reactor design toolboxes for process intensification.

Project

The application of nanoparticles in the clinical field has increased in recent years, which also includes the manufacturing of engineered nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery. For clinical applications, the properties of these nanoparticles need to be closely controlled during synthesis. For this purpose, microreaction technology is commonly applied.

The research group has developed a wide range of ultrasound integrated flow reactors on the micro- and milli-scale. The aim of this project is to apply these reactors to emulsion-based synthesis of nanoparticles, which are then loaded with target molecules for drug delivery. The application of ultrasound during synthesis aims to further improve particle properties and to synthesize novel hybrid particles. 

We are looking for a highly motivated student who can perform a PhD project on this challenging topic. The successful candidate will be offered a PhD fellowship to become part of our international team with global research links to work towards a PhD. Funding can be provided for a period of 4 years.

Profile

•Requirement: Master's degree in Chemical Engineering or Chemistry with strong overall marks

•Knowledge of flow chemistry and ultrasound will be regarded as a plus

•Adequate English (written and verbal communication) for scientific interactions required

•Strong motivation is a must

•Willingness to work at interdisciplinary boundaries

Offer

The successful candidate will be offered a PhD fellowship to become part of our international team with global research links to work towards a PhD. Funding can be provided for a period of 4 years.

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. ir. Simon Kuhn, mail: [email protected].

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