Mechanistic Modeling and Simulation of Drug Release from Biodegradable Polymer Systems
Are you passionate about science, technology, and innovation? At QPharma, we offer exciting thesis opportunities for students who want to apply their academic knowledge to real-world challenges within pharmaceutical development and manufacturing. Whether your interests lie in research, engineering, or process development, our thesis projects offer an opportunity to explore new ideas, gain valuable industry experience, and contribute to the development of future pharmaceutical solutions.
QPharma, is a global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) for pharmaceutical products. With a strong focus on innovation and continuous development, we are always looking for new perspectives and ideas to help shape the future of pharmaceutical development.
Background
Biodegradable polymers such as PLGA can provide controlled drug release and gradually degrade after administration. Drug release may depend on diffusion, water uptake, pore formation, polymer degradation, and erosion. This project will develop a mechanistic model linking these processes to formulation and drug release in long-acting drug delivery systems.
The development work includes:
· Literature review of biodegradable polymers and processing, degradation behavior, and drug-release mechanisms. Build a list of promising API/ polymer combinations for controlled drug release.
· Development of a mathematical model coupling drug diffusion with water uptake, pore formation, polymer degradation, and erosion.
· Implementation and simulation of the model in COMSOL Multiphysics® and/or MATLAB.
· Evaluation of polymer type, geometry, drug loading, porosity, and degradation rate on drug release.
· Estimation of model parameters and comparison with available experimental or literature data.
· Application to a selected system, for example micro-implant for ocular drug delivery.
· Documentation of assumptions, methods, results, and conclusions in a master thesis report.
Methods
Literature review; mechanistic modeling; analysis of release and degradation data; finite element simulation with COMSOL Multiphysics® and/or MATLAB; parameter estimation; sensitivity analysis; and model verification.
Requirements
Background in chemical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, polymer science, applied physics, or a related field. Knowledge of transport phenomena, and numerical modeling is desirable. Experience with COMSOL Multiphysics® and/or MATLAB® is a must.
How to apply:
Does this thesis project sound interesting to you? We would love to hear from you! If you are curious, motivated, and eager to put your knowledge into practice, we encourage you to submit your application by December 20, 2026
Join us at QPharma and get the opportunity to explore real-world challenges within pharmaceutical development. We offer an inspiring and collaborative environment where new ideas, knowledge, and innovation come together to shape the future of pharmaceutical solutions.
Contact Person
Dr. Zakariaa Refaa
(+46) 040 36 18 78