While 3D printing is rapidly infiltrating into the fields of pharmaceutical and biomedical applications, 4D printing is a new field on the horizon with the promises of making the imaginary technology advancements into reality. 4D printed objectives are fabricated by 3D printing, but with ‘smart’ stimuli-responsive materials. With the exposure to the stimuli, the 3D object would change shape to provide performances that are not possibly being delivered by other the object in its original shape and geometry.
This PhD project will investigate and explore the use of 4D printing to produce personalised pharmaceutical and smart medical devices. The project will be highly interdisciplinary and will involve training in a wide range of material sciences and engineering techniques related to 3D printing. Led by Prof. Sheng Qi, there will be the opportunity to work using different facilities in the School of Pharmacy at UEA and in the Norwich Research Park.
The student will have, or expect to obtain a first class, 2(1) or equivalent Honours degree in Material Sciences, Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmacy or a related area.
Informal enquiries are welcomed: please contact Prof. Sheng Qi.
