PhD Study : ​Ultrasound-responsive polymeric microbubbles for drug delivery

Summary

​Background Microbubbles (MB) are routinely employed in the clinic as ultrasound contrast agents and their potential use in drug delivery is under intensive investigation [1,2].  Their use in the latter is based on observations that active agents may be loaded onto or in the bubble shell and their ability to disrupt in the presence of an ultrasonic field.   MB shells may consist of lipid, protein or polymers [2,3,4] and the former two are used in the clinic as contrast agents.

Underlying aim

This project seeks to explore the potential of polymer-based microbubbles as active delivery agents.   More particularly, the project will explore the potential of formulating composite, mixed polymer-based shells as payload bearing, ultrasound-responsive delivery vehicles.

Specific objectives/Methodology

MB preparation:  This aspect of the project will examine the use of polymer blends and compatible solvent systems together with a variety of emulsification systems to generate MBs.   During the manufacture active agents such as drugs and/or imaging agents will be incorporated into the MB.

MB characterisation:  Characterisation will involve determining the size, stability, gas retention, payload retention and response to externally-applied ultrasound.

Application (i):  Depending on the payload (active agent/imaging agent or both) MBs will be characterized with respect to ultrasound mediated bioeffects using in vitro analytical systems (e.g. cell imaging and cell viability assays). Application (ii):  Again depending on the payload, efficacy in vivo will be determined using appropriate models (e.g. for a cancer chemotherapeutic drug as the payload – appropriate tumour model).   If an imaging agent is employed as the payload, biodistribution and fate of the MBs will be examined using real time, whole body imaging.

Requisite experience

Applicants will be expected to be familiar with good laboratory practice and cell culture experience will be a benefit.   In vivo experience would be a benefit although specific training in accordance with national requirements will be provided.

Please note: Applications for more than one PhD studentships are welcome, however if you apply for more than one PhD project within Biomedical Sciences, your first application on the system will be deemed your first-choice preference and further applications will be ordered based on the sequential time of submission. If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be interviewed only on your first-choice application and ranked accordingly. Those ranked highest will be offered a PhD studentship. In the situation where you are ranked highly and your first-choice project is already allocated to someone who was ranked higher than you, you may be offered your 2nd or 3rd choice project depending on the availability of this project.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• Clearly defined research proposal detailing background, research questions, aims and methodology

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• Experience of presentation of research findings
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
• Relevant professional qualification and/or a Degree in a Health or Health related area

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living