The Drug Delivery Programme focuses primarily on the design of polymeric systems for application at accessible cutaneous and epithelial absorption barriers, together with design optimisation and performance prediction through a fundamental appraisal of physicochemical and mechanical properties. The programme has established strong collaborations with major pharmaceutical companies and many research projects are co-developments with industry. Currently, programmes focus in particular on intravaginal drug delivery, HIV vaginal vaccines and microbicides, mucoadhesion and rheology of semi-solids, and drug delivery of photosensitisers for photodynamic therapy (PDT).

Download a brochure in pdf format describing the research group activities.

Further information: Prof. David Woolfson

The Biomaterials Programme focuses on infection arising from biofilm formation on polymeric medical devices. The programme is developing novel synthetic approaches to bioactive polymers and drug-polymer conjugates. Major projects include: development of anti-infective intraocular lenses to prevent infectious endophthalmitis; anti-infective applications of PDT; synthesis, characterisation and performance of novel drug conjugated PMMA bone cements to prevent hip joint loosening in total hip replacement procedures. Together with the drug delivery programme, there is expertise in silicone biomaterials and the development of novel silicone biomaterials for both drug delivery and medical devices applications.

Download a brochure in pdf format describing the research group activities.

Further information: Prof. Sean Gorman, Prof. David Jones

Both programmes also form part of an interdisciplinary forum, the Medical Polymers Research Institute (MPRI). MPRI brings together researchers from Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and the School of Pharmacy to develop new polymeric materials, products and processes for the medical devices and drug delivery industries.

Further information: www.qub.ac.uk/mpri