Optimisation of a biodegradable microneedle array

EPSRC Portfolio: Engineering, Healthcare

Microneedles are devices that use micron sized needles to deliver drugs across biological barriers, such as the skin, in a simple to use and pain free manner. Microneedles can be manufactured using a range of materials. Biodegradable polymers, loaded with the desired drug, have been used to provide sustained delivery of medications including contraceptives. Designing functional biodegradable microneedles requires careful design and optimisation of needle geometry, the material properties of the polymer and the method of application. There are several other related considerations including the method of manufacture.

This interdisciplinary project will use advanced computational modelling techniques and experimental testing to optimise the design of a biodegradable microneedle array. Computational modelling will include developing methods to model needle insertion. This is a complex and challenging element of computational modelling, and as such new approaches may be developed, incorporating fundamental research alongside medical device development. Experimental techniques will be used to validate computational modelling results.

The proposed studentship sits within the Engineering EPSRC research theme. The research conducted will cover a range of topics within this theme;
- Polymer materials; characterising newly developed drug loaded polymers, assessing their suitability for the desired application through computational modelling, and using the suitable material for drug delivery.
- Clinical technologies; developing novel solutions to drug delivery, and the developed technology will be transferable to drugs other than contraceptives.
- Manufacturing technologies; the final product will optimise an injection moulding process using a drug loaded polymer and require the manufacture of micro moulds.
- Microsystems; development of a novel micro device for drug delivery.