Tahmidul Islam Aquib tia23@cam.ac.uk
Bangladesh
Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology (CEB), Clare Hall
PhD thesis: Insulin containing capsules for oral delivery of diabetic medicine
Research interests:
- Drug delivery vehicles for hydrophobic drugs
- Nanocarriers for chemotherapeutics
- Ocular drug delivery
- Nanogel and Hydrogel-based drug delivery
In my PhD project, I will be making insulin containing capsules, to allow oral delivery of diabetic medicine. Many drugs could be delivered via tablet, but the acidic nature of the stomach will denature their biological activity. I aim to place the active material within a core and surround it with a polymer shell. The shell material needs to protect the drug for four hours, during transit through the stomach and then allow uptake in the small intestine.
Who or what inspired you to pursue your research interests?
My father is a veteran in the world of type-II diabetes, serving for nearly 30 years. I’ve seen him struggle with his insulin pen and needle, both physically and financially. This first-hand experience has put a deep impression on my mind and led me to the mindset of working on alternative ways of delivering insulin as well as other diabetic medicine. I aim to develop such a delivery system that’d be easier to administer and cheaper to purchase.