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Establishing a novel high throughput Drug Screening in vitro
The development of advanced drug formulations is a cornerstone of pharmaceutical innovation, directly influencing therapeutic efficacy, patient outcomes, and market success. Achieving optimal drug absorption and bioavailability remains one of the most significant challenges in formulation design, particularly for oral and parenteral delivery systems. Addressing this challenge is critical for advancing scientific understanding and also for accelerating drug discovery and reducing time-to-market for new therapies.
This Master’s thesis project aims to develop an advanced cell culture assay to model drug absorption, providing a scientifically robust and commercially valuable platform for drug screening and optimizing novel drug formulations. By bridging gaps in current drug screening methodologies, this project will contribute to innovation in drug delivery technologies and enhance competitive positioning in the growing global market for pharmaceutical solutions.
Keywords: cell culture, drug screening, drug formulation, polymer,
Intestinal cell lines are widely used as an in vitro model to simulate and study absorption of oral administered drugs. The ability of these cells to differentiate and form tight junctions mimicking intestinal epithelial cells makes them an invaluable tool for evaluating the permeability and absorption of drug candidates. However, current models often fail to replicate the complex interplay of factors affecting absorption, such as dynamic transport mechanisms and interactions with drug delivery systems.
As a first step, in this project, a new cell line culture system will be developed. As second step, innovative drug delivery formulations will be tested using the optimized cell culture model to investigate how different delivery systems impact absorption under simulated intestinal conditions.
Skills and Background Required:
We are looking for motivated candidates with a background in cell biology, pharmaceutical sciences, biomedical engineering, bioengineering, or related fields. Previous experience with cell culture techniques is required, whereas esperience in drug formulation, and cellular absorption studies is advantageous. Familiarity with analytical techniques such as HPLC, LC-MS, spectrophotometer, or fluorescence microscopy would be beneficial but not mandatory.
Outcomes:
This project will establish a robust, reproducible in vitro model for assessing drug absorption, providing critical insights for the design and development of improved drug delivery systems. By advancing the understanding of how novel formulations enhance absorption, this work will contribute to the creation of more effective, patient-friendly therapies.
Why joining the Project:
This project offers an exciting opportunity to work at the interface of biotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences, and cell biology. Candidates with an interest in translational research and drug development are encouraged to apply.
Intestinal cell lines are widely used as an in vitro model to simulate and study absorption of oral administered drugs. The ability of these cells to differentiate and form tight junctions mimicking intestinal epithelial cells makes them an invaluable tool for evaluating the permeability and absorption of drug candidates. However, current models often fail to replicate the complex interplay of factors affecting absorption, such as dynamic transport mechanisms and interactions with drug delivery systems. As a first step, in this project, a new cell line culture system will be developed. As second step, innovative drug delivery formulations will be tested using the optimized cell culture model to investigate how different delivery systems impact absorption under simulated intestinal conditions.
Skills and Background Required: We are looking for motivated candidates with a background in cell biology, pharmaceutical sciences, biomedical engineering, bioengineering, or related fields. Previous experience with cell culture techniques is required, whereas esperience in drug formulation, and cellular absorption studies is advantageous. Familiarity with analytical techniques such as HPLC, LC-MS, spectrophotometer, or fluorescence microscopy would be beneficial but not mandatory.
Outcomes: This project will establish a robust, reproducible in vitro model for assessing drug absorption, providing critical insights for the design and development of improved drug delivery systems. By advancing the understanding of how novel formulations enhance absorption, this work will contribute to the creation of more effective, patient-friendly therapies.
Why joining the Project: This project offers an exciting opportunity to work at the interface of biotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences, and cell biology. Candidates with an interest in translational research and drug development are encouraged to apply.
1. Optimization of Cell Line Culture:
- Develop protocols for culturing cells (e.g., Caco-2) to achieve consistent differentiation and tight junction formation.
Integrate co-culture systems or microfluidic approaches to mimic dynamic intestinal environments.
2. Formulation of novel drug delivery system using our patented technology:
- Evaluate the impact of drug delivery systems on drug transport and absorption across the cell monolayer.
- Conduct comparative studies with conventional formulations to validate improvements.
3. Screening and Characterization:
- Assess the permeability of different drug candidates using the developed cell line.
- Characterize the cellular uptake and transport mechanisms via advanced imaging and analytical techniques.
4. Iterative Development and Automation:
- Refine cell culture and formulation parameters based on absorption outcomes
1. Optimization of Cell Line Culture: - Develop protocols for culturing cells (e.g., Caco-2) to achieve consistent differentiation and tight junction formation. Integrate co-culture systems or microfluidic approaches to mimic dynamic intestinal environments.
2. Formulation of novel drug delivery system using our patented technology: - Evaluate the impact of drug delivery systems on drug transport and absorption across the cell monolayer. - Conduct comparative studies with conventional formulations to validate improvements.
3. Screening and Characterization: - Assess the permeability of different drug candidates using the developed cell line. - Characterize the cellular uptake and transport mechanisms via advanced imaging and analytical techniques.
4. Iterative Development and Automation: - Refine cell culture and formulation parameters based on absorption outcomes
