Development of smart drug delivery systems for targeted ocular administration

Ocular diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy demand precise and sustained drug delivery for therapeutic efficacy. Traditional methods face significant challenges, including poor drug bioavailability due to tear dilution, blinking, and limited tissue permeability. These barriers highlight the need for innovative solutions that enhance therapeutic outcomes and patient compliance. Smart drug delivery systems have emerged as promising alternatives, enabling targeted and controlled release of drugs to specific ocular tissues.

Key approaches include using nanoparticles, hydrogels, and polymeric systems, with smart materials like pH-sensitive and temperature-responsive polymers offering tailored responses to ocular conditions. pH-sensitive polymers, such as poly(acrylic acid), chitosan, and methacrylic acid copolymers, react to pH changes caused by inflammation or infection, releasing drugs accordingly. Temperature-responsive polymers, like PNIPAAm and PEG-based copolymers, exploit ocular surface temperature variations during inflammation or infection to achieve controlled release. These systems show potential for improving drug efficacy, reducing side effects, and enhancing patient adherence. However, a comprehensive evaluation of their efficacy, safety, and applicability across various ocular diseases is needed.

This project aims to develop innovative, biocompatible, and biodegradable smart drug delivery systems to address the limitations of conventional treatments. Stimuli-responsive nanoparticles and hydrogels will be engineered for sustained and targeted drug release. Advanced techniques, including 3D printing, microneedles, and imaging, will be employed for system design and characterisation. Preclinical evaluations using animal models and excised ocular tissues will assess their translational potential. Expected outcomes include improved ocular bioavailability, prolonged drug retention, and enhanced patient compliance, paving the way for advanced therapeutic strategies for debilitating eye conditions. This research could significantly improve the management of ocular diseases by overcoming current drug delivery challenges.

References

Lin, X., Wu, X., Chen, X., Wang, B. and Xu, W., (2021) Intellective and stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems in eyes. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 602, p.120591.

Dahmash, E. Z.; Achkar, N. R.; Ali, D. K.; Jarrar, Q.; Iyire, A.; Assaf, S. M.; Alyami, H. (2024) Preclinical evaluation of novel synthesised nanoparticles based on tyrosine poly (ester amide) for improved targeted pulmonary delivery. Scientific Reports 14(1):9845

Alotaibi, T. A.; Iyire, A; Assaf, S; Dahmash. E. Z. (2024) Development and characterization of niosomes loaded mucoadhesive biodegradable ocular inserts for extended release of pilocarpine HCl. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 10(1):22

Supervisors:

Dr Affiong Iyire

Dr Dan Kirby 

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.