3D printing of ocular films for treatment of ocular diseases of the anterior segment

Eyedrops have been the main stay for topical management of diseases of the anterior segment, including conditions such as dry eye syndrome, conjunctivitis, infections and corneal disorders. However, the distinct anatomy and physiology of the eyes result in 1-7% of drugs administered via eyedrops being retained within the eyes; with the remaining being cleared via lacrimal drainage or absorbed systemically. This increases the dosing burden of eyedrops to (in some cases), every two hours and thus has a deleterious effect on patient compliance. Ocular films have been introduced as a drug delivery intervention to enhance, sustain and control drug delivery to the eyes. The proposed research aims to revolutionise ocular drug delivery through the development of 3D printed films embedded with nanoparticles tailored for treatment of diseases of the anterior segment. The project will leverage advanced 3D printing technologies, based on current work already done within our research group [1,2], to create patient-specific ocular films capable of sustained and controlled drug release.

The films will be engineered to adhere seamlessly to the ocular surface, ensuring prolonged contact time and enhanced therapeutic outcomes. Additionally, the customisation of drug-loaded films will enable personalized treatment strategies, addressing the heterogeneity of anterior segment ocular diseases. The proposed research will involve the synthesis and optimisation of biocompatible and biodegradable polymers suitable for 3D printing, ensuring the safety and compatibility of the ocular films using cell culture of corneal epithelial cell lines. Moreover, the controlled release kinetics of various therapeutic agents will be investigated to achieve optimal therapeutic efficacy. By merging cutting-edge 3D printing technologies with pharmaceutical sciences, this research has the potential to reshape the landscape of ocular drug delivery. The development of patient-specific ocular films holds promise for enhanced treatment outcomes, reduced side effects, and improved patient adherence, ultimately advancing the field of ophthalmic medicine.

References:

1. Desiato, A.; Iyire, A.; Bhogal-Bhamra, P.; Naroo, S.; Gil-cazorla, R. (2022) Optimisation and evaluation of a soluble ocular insert for sustained release of levofloxacine. Ivestigative Ophthalmology & Vision Science 63(7): 3959–A0239-3059–A0239 
2. Curti, C.; Kirby, D. J.; Russell, C. A (2021) Stereolithography apparatus evolution: enhancing throughput and efficiency of pharmaceutical formulation development. Pharmaceutics 13(5):616

Supervisors

Dr Affiong Lyire

Dr Raquel Gill-Carzola

Dr Craign Russell

PhD programmes are for those who are seeking to develop greater in-depth knowledge in a specific area. Completing this level of study is about making an original contribution to knowledge, making new discoveries and developing lifelong skills. 

At Aston University, our Engineering and Physical Sciences PhD programmes will provide all the support and facilities you will need to develop into a leading researcher in your chosen field.  You will be welcomed into a supportive community with a shared enthusiasm for original research, where diversity and multidisciplinary is championed.

Person Specification

Candidates should have been awarded, or expect to achieve, EITHER:

• A Bachelors degree in a relevant subject with an award of First Class or 2.1. 

OR 

• A Bachelors degree in a relevant subject with an award of First Class or 2.1, and a Masters degree in a relevant subject with an award of Merit or higher.

Qualifications from other countries which are considered by Aston University to be equivalent to that described above will be eligible to apply.

Submitting an application

We can only consider applications that are complete and have all supporting documents. Applications that do not provide all the relevant documents will be automatically rejected. Your application must include: 

1. English language copies of the transcripts and certificates for all your higher education degrees, including any Bachelor degrees.
    
2. A Research Statement detailing your understanding of the research area, how you would approach the project, and a brief review of relevant literature. Be sure to use the title of the research project you are applying for. There is no set format or word count. 
    
3. A personal statement which outlines any further information which you think is relevant to your application, such as your personal suitability for research, career aspirations, possible future research interests, and further description of relevant employment experience. 
    
4. Two academic referees who can discuss your suitability for independent research. References must be on headed paper, signed and dated no more than 2 years old. At least one reference should be from your most recent University. You can submit your references at a later date if necessary. 
    
5. Evidence that you meet the English Language requirements. If you do not currently meet the language requirements, you can submit this at a later stage. 
    
6. A copy of your passport. Where relevant, include evidence of settled or pre-settled status.

Interviews

Interviews will be conducted online via Microsoft Teams. If you are shortlisted, you will be contacted directly with details of the interview.  

Studying a PhD is great route into academia and industries that are centred on research and innovation. Areas with a demand for very high level and specialised research skills often demand PhDs.

In addition to this specialist knowledge, PhD education will help you to develop a set of valuable transferrable skills. The very nature of studying an intensive research degree will enable you to become a team player, develop problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, and advanced presentation and communication skills.

The variety of PhD project topics at Aston means that the destinations of our graduates vary substantially. Some choose to continue into academia, at either Aston or other leading institutions, while others go onto use their newly acquired skills in a range of research, healthcare, industry or charitable fields. When selecting your chosen PhD path at Aston, your supervisor will be able to provide you with relevant career opportunities that could be available to you in your specialist area.