Master thesis: Process-influenced foaming during vacuous foam drying - Under tillsättning eller tillsatt, ej sökbar

Master Thesis project available Spring 2022 at RISE, Stockholm

Background
As it stands, freeze drying is currently the “gold standard” within development of dry protein formulations and sensitive drugs. However, limitations include its high energy consumption and often very long and complex process conditions, and consequently contribute a comparable high cost of the operations. Thus, the pharmaceutical companies have requested a search for alternative drying technologies, for protein formulations.

Within the research centre NextBioForm, we aim to explore alternative drying technologies for protein drugs to be utilized as dry formulations. Within the project, one of chosen techniques of interest is vacuous foam drying, which utilizes evaporative drying by moderate reduction of pressure, preferably at temperatures near room temperature. Vacuous foam drying could present milder drying conditions for biologics contributing to less impact on protein biological activity and stability.

Since there are several factors influencing the foam drying much is still in an explorative stage. Hence, mapping of process conditions influencing the foaming ability and final quality if the dry foam will be of central importance of this master thesis project. The work will demand structured investigations linked to design of experiments and statistical analysis to demonstrate validity of process factors affecting the foaming properties. In this project we will use an enzyme as the biological drug compound.

Aims
Map the importance of selected process parameters in vacuum foam drying. Study the influence of process parameters on product quality in terms of solid-state properties and preserved biological activity. A design of experiments approach will be used.

Methods
During the project several important methods will be utilized e.g., vacuous foam drying, biological activity assay, DSC, moisture analysis.

Qualifications
Master’s level studies in chemical engineering, biotechnology, or pharmaceutics with an interest in process design, experimental design, and biological materials.

Location
RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Stockholm (KTH Campus location).

Application
Last day for applications is set at 12/11-2021 and applications are processed continuously.   

If you are interested, please contact:
Daniel Osanlóo, PhD Student - +46 10 516 63 42
Anna Fureby, Senior Researcher - +46 10 516 60 46