Research group: Phartecolab: PHarmaceutical TEchnology and COsmetic LABoratories; PhD :Pharmaceutical Sciences Industrial PhD : TESMED (Tecnologie sostenibili per lo sviluppo industriale di medicinali e diagnostici)

Department

Pharmacy-Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari

Main research activities/topics/projects

IDescripition of Research: The Phartecolab research group is dedicated to the advanced formulation and comprehensive characterization of both conventional and novel drug delivery systems, as well as functional compound systems. These efforts are directed towards the development of pharmaceuticals, medical devices for human use, dietary supplements, and cosmetic products. A critical aspect of this work involves the precise selection of excipients, optimization of manufacturing processes, and the integration of rigorous preformulation studies, including assessments of solubility, permeability, and stability.

 This methodological approach enables the group to tackle complex formulation challenges, such as enhancing organoleptic properties—taste, handling, and stability—and developing sophisticated modified-release systems, tailored by site-specific, time-dependent, and controlled-release kinetics. Additionally, the group specializes in the design of mucoadhesive and mucodiffusive formulations, which are engineered to improve retention time and enhance translocation across mucosal barriers.

 Phartecolab’s research is primarily concentrated on pharmaceuticals for human use, with a strong emphasis on the development of personalized medicine. This focus is particularly evident in the group's work on pediatric formulations, treatments for rare diseases, and oncology therapeutics. Moreover, the group is actively engaged in exploring innovative strategies for drug repurposing. Recently, the scope of research has expanded to encompass veterinary and agronomic applications.

 To support these objectives, Phartecolab has established several specialized platforms, focusing on the preparation and study of:

 1. Matrix and reservoir microparticles, utilizing state-of-the-art techniques such as prilling/vibration, prilling/congealing, and spray drying/congealing.

2. Lipid and polymeric nanoparticles, as well as biomimetic hybrid systems derived from cellular components, which serve as carriers for nucleic acids, proteins, and synthetic active pharmaceutical ingredients, facilitated through microfluidic technology.

3. Solid and semi-solid pharmaceutical dosage forms, manufactured via advanced 3D printing techniques, including direct powder extrusion and pressure-assisted semisolid printing.

4. The development and application of lipophilic deep eutectic solvents (DES) and cyclodextrin-based solvents (CYCLODES), utilized as drug carriers, extraction solvents for phytocompounds, and as lipophilic phases in self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS).

5. Innovative galenic bases and formulations designed to meet the evolving needs of compounding pharmacists.  

Through these initiatives, Phartecolab continues to advance the frontiers of pharmaceutical technology, contributing to the development of cutting-edge therapeutic solutions.

Working language

Italian or English

Special entry requirements

Pharmaceutical/Chemical background

Duration in months (min-max)

PhD sandwich: 6-12

Post Doc: 6-12