Formulation of heterogenous solid dispersions produced by spray drying and hot-melt extrusion for improved delivery of amorphous drugs

Production of the amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) is a one of the methods of improving of physicochemical properties of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) such as its solubility and physicochemical stability. Solid dispersions can be produced by spray drying (SD) or hot melt extrusion (HME).

Following production by SD or HME during further processing such as for example: drying, milling, granulation or tableting an ASD is exposed to mechanical and/or thermal stress which impacts stability of ASD.

The Project is focused on understanding of impact of thermal and mechanical stress such as for example mechanical impaction, pressure, shear, cavitation on physicochemical properties of ASD produced by SD and HME.

This project is composed of three work packages:

1. Production and subsequent: physicochemical, mechanical and micromeritic characterisation of the reference binary-phase, homogenic and amorphous solid dispersions.
2. Production and subsequent physicochemical, mechanical and micromeritic characterisation of the ternary-phase, heterogenic solid dispersions.
3. Characterisation of the impact of physicochemical mechanical and micromeritic properties of binary and ternary solid dispersions on preformulation and formulation of solid oral dosage forms (tablets).

How to apply

Formal applications can be made through the University of Bradford web site. Applicants should register an account, and choose ‘Full-time PhD in Pharmacy’ as the course.

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.

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• Computational and Data-driven Science
• Interface of Chemistry Biology and Materials
• Health, Society, People and Place
• The Life Course

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• Centre for Pharmaceutical Engineering Science
• Digital Health Enterprise Zone
• Institute of Cancer Therapeutics
• Wolfson Centre for Applied Research

University investment in research support services, equipment and infrastructure provides an excellent research environment and broad portfolio of developmental opportunities.

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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.