Experimental and Computational Investigation of the Stabilisation of Drug Molecules in their Amorphous State Aston University

Overview

The formulation and delivery of poorly soluble drugs has always been a challenge with estimated 70-90% of molecules in the development pipeline suffering from poor solubility and bioavailability. One way forward is to use an amorphous form of the drug, since this exists in a higher energy state and is more soluble than crystalline forms of the same compound. Amorphous small-molecule drugs, however, are intrinsically unstable and will spontaneously convert to lower-energy crystalline forms with lower aqueous solubility. A current popular approach to attempt to stabilise drugs in amorphous forms is to load them in the cavities of a mesoporous polymer which is then used as the delivery vehicle. 

The  Experimental and Computational Investigation of the Stabilisation of Drug Molecules in their Amorphous State course at Aston University aims to develop a predictive computational approach that will allow the matching of individual poorly soluble drugs to mesoporous materials that will stabilise the drugs in their amorphous state and prevent crystallisation.

Career prospects

Studying for a PhD is a 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, a PhD education will help you to develop a set of valuable transferable 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.