3D-printing of implantable devices for sustained drug delivery

The demand for customised medical devices is driving growth in the 3D-printing medical device market, valued at US$3.76 billion and growing at 14% annually. Developing patient-specific devices is a key clinical and commercial focus, making the expansion of 3D-printing technology a priority. A key application is implantable drug delivery systems (IDDS), which this project will develop, focusing initially on managing chronic pain but with potential for other chronic conditions. 

Chronic pain affects around 28M adults in the UK, with conditions like osteoarthritis and back pain causing widespread suffering. Current treatments, particularly opioids, offer short-term relief but often lead to tolerance, dependence, and side effects. Managing both pain and inflammation is crucial for conditions like osteoarthritis. IDDS offer targeted, long-lasting relief, reducing the need for frequent dosing and minimising side effects. 3D-printing allows for the creation of customised implants tailored to a patient’s anatomy, drug dosage, and release duration, supporting sustained treatment and improving quality of life. 

This PhD project will develop implants for pain and inflammation management using IDDS prepared using 3D-printing. Various implant designs will be tested, with drugs either embedded within the implant matrix or loaded into core-shell implants featuring mesoporous structures for controlled release. Computational modelling will optimise implant characteristics for tailored drug delivery.  

Subject area 

Pharmaceutics, Bioengineering, Formulation Sciences 

How to apply / contacts 

Postgraduate Research applicants must have applied to Queen’s, via the Direct Applications Portal.  

https://dap.qub.ac.uk/portal/user/u_login.php  

Relevant links / more information  

http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofPharmacy/Research/PostgraduatePositions/ 

http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofPharmacy/Research/ 

Training provided through the research project 

The PhD student will work in a dynamic research environment with over 50 researchers from 16 nationalities, promoting a strong exchange of ideas. The student will have access to fully equipped labs and receive training in key techniques like HPLC, SEM, FTIR, DSC, TGA, XRD, Raman, and acoustic microscopy. In their first year, the student will complete the Animal Handling Course, obtaining a Personal Licence. 

The student will gain a deeper understanding of medical 3D-printing, including its optimisation and manufacturing processes.