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Ex Vivo Drug/Formulation Permeability Screening Traineeship

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

In this virtual traineeship, participants will receive online training in the principles and practical workflow of ex vivo permeability studies using animal tissues. The programme will cover tissue selection and handling considerations, diffusion cell (Franz cell) setup, experimental design, and optimization strategies for a range of tissues, including ocular, nasal, buccal, intestinal, and skin tissues.

Through guided online instruction, demonstrations, and discussion of real experimental workflows, trainees will develop a strong understanding of how to design, conduct, and interpret ex vivo permeability studies for drug and formulation prescreening.

By building this expertise, participants will gain valuable skills that support faster and more informed formulation screening, helping reduce the time and resources required for further development and limiting unnecessary animal studies.

The programme is relevant to both academia and industry, providing a practical and application-oriented foundation for identifying promising formulations for the next stages of research and development.

Main Areas of Interest

Our research includes extensive use of ex vivo tissue models (animal/human) to better simulate the biological environment and predict the in vivo performance of developed drug delivery systems and devices. We are also exploring nature-inspired materials and processes to support a wide range of biomedical applications.

We are adopting non-invasive approaches that aim to:

Control drug release kinetics through stimuli-responsive or biodegradable systems
Enhance drug solubility in body fluids and/or absorption across mucosal surfaces
Prolong drug retention at the site of action
Facilitate improved patient adherence by developing easy-to-administer dosage forms for sensitive patient groups (e.g., pediatric, geriatric), and devising drug consolidation approaches

What are we trying to Accomplish:

🔬 Capacity Building in Drug Development Research

By teaching techniques such as ex vivo tissue handling, Franz cell assays, and HPLC analysis, we want to equip participants with critical laboratory skills used in early-stage drug and formulation screening.

⏱ Reduction in R&D Time and Animal Testing

The goal is to streamline drug development by using ex vivo models as a prescreening tool—saving time, money, and reducing reliance on extensive in vivo animal studies.

🧠 Translation of Research to Practical Industry Applications

This program helps bridge academic research and industrial drug development, making trainees more competitive and effective in both settings.

🌿 Inspiration from Nature + Innovation

By including nature-inspired materials and biodegradable systems, we emphasize a sustainable, patient-centric approach to drug delivery—especially for sensitive groups like children and the elderly.

Specialties

Drug Delivery

Biomedical Engineering

Pharmaceuticals

Pharmacology

Techniques You Will Learn

Experimental techniques you will learn here:

During the traineeship, participants will develop practical understanding of the following techniques:

Ex vivo animal tissue excision and handling for various tissues: ocular, nasal, buccal, intestinal, and skin
Setting up ex vivo permeability assays using diffusion cells (Franz cells)
Identifying optimal experimental conditions for ex vivo permeability studies
Drug quantification techniques, including High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
Tissue uptake and extraction assays
Basic formulation development for comparative analysis of the ex vivo permeability of pure drugs versus formulated drugs

Curriculum

Upon joining our virtual training programme, fellows will follow a structured plan designed to ensure smooth onboarding and maximum benefit from the traineeship. The main elements include:

Online Onboarding and Orientation

Welcome and Programme Setup: Participants will receive guidance on the structure of the training, access to the relevant online materials, and the schedule of sessions and activities.

Introductory Meeting: An initial one-to-one online meeting will be held to discuss the trainee’s background, training objectives, and expectations, and to align on learning goals and timelines.

Virtual Training Activities

Protocol Demonstrations: Experimental procedures will be presented through guided online demonstrations, visual material, and step-by-step explanation by experienced members of the lab.

Study Design and Methodology Training: Participants will receive training in the methodological aspects of ex vivo permeability studies across different tissues, including ocular, nasal, buccal, esophageal, gastric, intestinal, and skin tissues.

Data Analysis and Interpretation: Fellows will be guided in the processing, analysis, and interpretation of experimental data to develop a deeper understanding of ex vivo permeability testing and drug delivery research.

This structured online curriculum is designed to help fellows build strong theoretical and methodological competence in ex vivo tissue-based research and advanced drug delivery strategies, while also supporting their broader academic and professional development through active engagement with the research environment.

Programme duration: 2 weeks

Accommodation

N/A

Fees and Program Logistics

This program has the following durations available:

Duration	Total Fee
2 weeks	$1,075.00

Who Can Apply

Anyone interested in expanding their expertise in tissue models

Open to students, researchers, and professionals interested in developing applied understanding of ex vivo tissue models and drug permeability screening.

Host Details

Host Name: Christina Karavasili

Affiliation: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

Address: Building of Biology-2nd floor, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, University Campus

Website URL: https://pharmatechne-lab.com/

Disclaimer:It is mandatory that all applicants carry workplace liability insurance, e.g., https://www.protrip-world-liability.com (Erasmus students use this package and typically costs around 5 € per month - please check) in addition to health insurance when you join any of the onsite Trialect partnered fellowships.

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