Controlled Release Trans-Scleral Dissolving Microneedles for Intraocular Delivery

About the project

About the Project The Retinal diseases, such as macular degeneration, retinal detachment and diabetic retinopathy are the leading causes of vision impairment. The most common way of delivering drugs to the retina is through topical therapy, usually in the form of eye drops. This usually requires 2 to 4 times a day administration by the patient, which results in poor patient compliance, and is short-acting. On other hand, long-acting treatment, which involves intravitreal injections, can lead to severe complications such as cataracts, retinal detachment, and elevated intraocular pressure. Hence this project aims to design and develop dissolving microneedles for the posterior segment of the eye. The research objectives are to: Develop, and optimise microneedle-based formulation Mechanical and in vitro performance testing of MNs In vitro and in vivo biocompatibility assessment Ex vivo evaluation using porcine sclera. These microneedles formulations are designed to improve patient compliance, reduce drug toxicity, enhance pharmacokinetics, and provide long-acting drug release. This project will give the student the opportunity to train and work across several disciplines including materials science, micro needle-based formulation design, materials characterisation, and toxicology and efficacy testing. The student will be working with a highly dynamic research team led by Dr Rahamatullah Shaikh ( Centre for Pharmaceutical Engineering Sciences ) , Dr Jonathan Denniss (Optometry) and Dr Steven Shnyder ( Institute of Cancer Therapeutics ). The main research activities of the Principal Supervisor, Dr Shaikh’s research group are to design and develop novel formulation strategies and next-generation drug delivery technologies to enhance therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance. There will also be an opportunity to collaborate with industry professionals and prominent academic leaders in shaping this significant PhD project. The skills that the student will acquire during this PhD program are highly transferable and suitable for a potential career in academia, R&D or industry in the UK or internationally. Eligibility The successful candidate will have a background in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering and/or related disciplines. How to apply Formal applications can be submitted via the University of Bradford web site ; applicants will need to register an account, select 'Postgraduate Research' as the course and then use the keyword 'pharmacy'. Applicants should then specify the project title in the 'Research Proposal' section. About the University of Bradford Bradford is a research-active University supporting the highest-quality research. We excel in applying our research to benefit our stakeholders by working with employers and organisations world-wide across the private, public, voluntary and community sectors and actively encourage and support our postgraduate researchers to engage in research and business development activities. Positive Action Statement At the University of Bradford our vision is a world of inclusion and equality of opportunity, where people want to, and can, make a difference. We place equality and diversity, inclusion, and a commitment to social mobility at the centre of our mission and ethos. In working to make a difference we are committed to addressing systemic inequality and disadvantages experienced by Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic staff and students. Under sections 158-159 of the Equality Act 2010, positive action can be taken where protected group members are under-represented. At Bradford, our data show that people from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic groups who are UK nationals are significantly under-represented at the postgraduate researcher level. These are lawful measures designed to address systemic and structural issues which result in the under-representation of Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic students in PGR studies.

Research areas