Investigating the use of microneedles for the minimally invasive sub-epidermal delivery of novel therapeutic macromolecules.
Introduction
It is now more than a decade since the advent of the microneedle array and during this period the novel device has made significant advances from an unrefined laboratory prototype towards a therapeutically useful tool. To date, research groups have primarily utilised the microneedle device to facilitate transdermal delivery of traditional drug molecules (whose delivery via this route was restricted by their molecular weight/lipophilicity) and the intra-epidermal delivery of macromolecules for gene therapy or vaccination. However there have been limited efforts to facilitate and understand the sub-epidermal deposition of macromolecules.
Aims of Project
This project will investigate intradermal delivery and distribution of macromolecules (protein and polysaccharide) in order to develop a system that can facilitate minimally invasive delivery of novel macromolecular therapeutics.
Funder
PhD studentship
Duration
3 years
Additional Information
The PhD student will be co-supervised by Dr Coulman and Dr Birchall with additional input from collaborative colleagues in Engineering and clinicians/academics at the School of Medicine. The supervisors will ensure independent intellectual development during the PhD and work with the student to ensure satisfactory progress. Specific training will be provided in the preparation/characterisation of macromolecule formulations, in vitro cell culture, ex vivo human skin organ culture, the histological preparations of skin samples and fluorescence and confocal microscopy. Staff in the School of Engineering will support the student in those areas of the project which involve knowledge of biomechanics, biomaterials and mechanical testing.
Supervisors
Dr James Birchall
