Development of Probiotic Xyloglucan Matrix Tablets for Targeted Delivery of Live Bacteria to the Colon

Project start: June 2025 or later

Project location: Institute of Pharma Technology, FHNW Muttenz

Details

Formulation Optimization of 3D-Printed Pediatric Tablets Using Semi-Solid Extrusion

Project start: June 2025 or later
Project location: Institute of Pharma Technology, FHNW Muttenz

Details

Nuclear import enhancement of DNA-Lipid Nanoparticles by NLS-peptides in vitro

The delivery of nucleic acids, particularly episomal DNA for long-term transgene expression, represents a promising strategy in gene therapy. While viral delivery systems have demonstrated efficiency, their application is often hindered by challenges such as high production costs and immunogenic responses. As a result, non-viral carriers, such as lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), have garnered significant interest as an alternative. Despite their potential, research on DNA as an efficient cargo for LNPs remains limited. One key challenge lies in the poor intracellular delivery efficiency of DNA-LNPs, primarily due to insufficient translocation of DNA from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. This project aims to evaluate a novel strategy for enhancing the nuclear import of DNA-LNPs through the co-encapsulation of nuclear localization signal (NLS) peptides, potentially overcoming existing delivery barriers.

Details

Pharmazeutische Forschung

We can offer for year 2026 a Master's thesis in cooperation with partners from Toyama University in Japan: https://www.u-toyama.ac.jp/en/outline/.

The thesis is carried out in Japan and supervised by scientists there. Various topics are offered in the fields of pharmaceutical biology, pharmacology and technology.

Porous microcapsules for the use of pediatric drug delivery

We have designed a novel multifunctional inorganic carrier for oral drug delivery. These microcapsules allow for the establishment of a platform technology for the formulation development of child-friendly orally disintegrating tablets (ODT) which are currently tested in a clinical setting.

Formulation development of recombinant adeno-associated viruses used as gene delivery systems

The pharmaceutical market is currently transforming and advanced medicinal products (ATMPs) are entering the market. These comprise among others delivery systems such as viral vectors and specifically include recombinant adeno associated virus (rAAVs).

However, clinical and commercial rAAV products are currently stored at frozen state (e.g., -80°C) due to their limited stability when stored under refrigerated conditions for extended periods. For instance, Luxturna® and Zolgensma® are stored at -80 °C and their shelf-life is still limited to a duration of one year.

The aim of the Master thesis is to develop a formulation platform for rAAV products enabling storage at 2-8°C omitting the costly freeze/thaw supply chain, while maintaining product integrity, purity and effectiveness. The formulation platform will comprise a screening system capable of evaluating diverse combinations of viral vector concentrations, of suitable stabilizing excipients including pH/buffer systems, and other variables that influence the stability of rAAV products. The project will use various established analytical techniques including cell culture experiments to test the formulations.

The Master thesis project will start in March - July 2025 with a duration of 8-12 months in cooperation with the pharmaceutical company ten23 health.

Experiments will be performed both at the University of Basel (Pharmazentrum) as well as at the ten23’s labs at Rosenthal campus (Mattenstr. 22) in Basel

Apply here.

Master’s Thesis in Pharmaceutical Development (8 months)

As our Masters’ Student you will actively participate in critical scientific research to develop solutions for real-world pharmaceutical & clinical problems benefitting the patients and caregivers. You will be guided by one of our experts to contribute to various aspects and challenges of pharmaceutical development. The role will predominantly include laboratory work with commitment of time and effort for the project. You are also expected to devote time for scientific literature reading and to produce/write self-review documents that would support your dissertation process. For further information please read here.

Design and evaluation of specific coated capsule formulation for delivery of live bacteria in the colon- NO LONGER AVAILLABLE

The main goal of the thesis will be designing specific film-coated capsule formulation aiming to deliver appropriate amount of viable bacterial cells in the colonic region. Different coating compositions aimed for colon targeting should be evaluated together with finding the optimal coating parameters which will not cause significant loss in cell viability. Fit-for-purpose techniques such as blending and encapsulation followed by pan coating will be used for producing the desired prototype formulations. Obtained prototypes are going to be evaluated through various in-vitro techniques predicting the in-vivo behavior such as: disintegration (compendial and bio-relevant), dissolution (compendial and bio-relevant), media-uptake as well as different techniques predicting their processibility (flow properties, particle size distribution, bulk/tap volume/density), stability (water content and water activity) and mechanical resistance. Cell enumeration will be done through different techniques (CFU, MPN, etc) in collaboration with Bacthera’s development site in Denmark.

Theoretical Master’s Thesis in Pharmaceutical Development (8 months)- NO LONGER AVAILLABLE

The theoretical Master thesis will conduct research at the interface between pharmaceutical drug product manufacturing of biologics and sustainability considerations. As Master’s thesis candidate, you will actively participate in critical scientific research to develop solutions for real-world pharmaceutical & clinical problems benefitting the patients and caregivers. You will be guided by one of our experts to contribute to various aspects and challenges of Pharmaceutical development. You are expected to devote time for scientific literature reading and to produce/write self-review documents that would support your dissertation process. For further information please read here.

Manufacture of drug loaded particles applying hot melt technology - NO LONGER AVAILLABLE

In a first approach (highly) drug loaded multiparticulates will be developed, applying hot melt coating technologies. Alternatively, a development of tablets could be possible.
APIs with different physico-chemical properties, various drug loads, excipients and quantitative compositions shall be evaluated.
For this, Glatt´s Wurster or selected other fluid bed technologies will be used. The influence of API and excipients properties on the process behavior as well as on the API release shall be evaluated.
Standard in-process-controls like particle size analysis by sieving, laser diffraction other optical methods, as well as analytical tests like assay or dissolution testing will be performed to evaluate the quality of the respective formulations. Details

Marco Fröhlich