Impact of formulation composition on efficacy and properties of LNPs for delivery

Nanomedicine based therapeutics (including RNA-based vaccines) play a pivotal role in national and global healthcare. To be effective, these vaccines must be formulated with delivery systems, and lipid nanoparticles are currently the most effective system. However, there is a lack of detailed understanding of the lipid nanoparticle formulation.

Therefore, this project aims to address this and ensure that we have the knowledge, experience, and expertise to deliver the next generation of RNA vaccines.

The aim of this project is to develop LNPs and investigate formulation differences on physical vesicle properties and the assessment of biological performance. This will focus on adjusting lipid nanoparticle (LNPs) composition to improve drug delivery efficacy and formulation properties.

This will involve academic research and industry experience in the fields of lipid nanomedicine formulation, characterisation and microfluidic manufacturing. As well as training in many LNP production and analytical techniques.

This studentship will be based in SIPBS in a well-established group with extensive facilities which include all required resources to deliver on this research. The student will complete their PGCert. This team has world-leading expertise in their fields, and the Perrie laboratory will provide the student with extensive training in vaccine formulation, characterisation and analysis of vaccines.

This PhD programme will deliver a unique, multidisciplinary and intersectoral training programme to develop and equip the early-stage researchers with the required skills and entrepreneurship to develop new vaccines.