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Ex Vivo Drug/Formulation Permeability Screening Traineeship

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

In this traineeship, participants will gain hands-on experience in animal tissue excision and handling, learn how to set up tissues on diffusion cells (Franz cells), and optimize ex vivo permeability studies for various tissues, including ocular, nasal, buccal, esophageal, gastric, intestinal, and skin.

By mastering these techniques, trainees will acquire essential skills for prescreening drugs and formulations, thereby reducing the time and resources needed for further development and extensive animal studies.

This program benefits both academia and industry, offering a practical foundation to rapidly identify optimal formulations for next-stage R&D

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 gain practical experience in the following techniques:

Ex vivo animal tissue excision and handling for various tissues: ocular, nasal, buccal, esophageal, gastric, 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
Biophysical tissue characterization techniques, such as Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy
Basic formulation development for comparative analysis of the ex vivo permeability of pure drugs versus formulated drugs

Curriculum

Upon joining our lab, fellows will be guided through a structured program to ensure they integrate well and gain the maximum benefit from their traineeship. The main elements include:

Settling In and Registration
- Accommodation & Amenities: Assistance in finding suitable accommodation and locating nearby amenities.
- University Registration: Support with setting up workspace.
Initial Orientation
- Health, Safety, and Lab Practices: Full induction on laboratory safety protocols, best practices, and university regulations.
- Introductory Meeting: A one-on-one session to discuss training objectives and align on research goals and timelines.
- Experimental Planning: Development of a realistic plan with clear timelines for the experimental work, tailored to each fellow’s specific interests and project scope.
Hands-On Training
- Protocol Demonstrations: Each experimental procedure will be demonstrated by experienced members of the lab.
- Supervised Practice: Fellows will perform experiments under supervision until they are comfortable working independently.
- Data Analysis & Interpretation: Guidance on processing, analyzing, and interpreting results to facilitate a deeper understanding of ex vivo permeability studies and drug delivery research.
Mentorship and Progress Tracking
- Regular Meetings: Scheduled weekly or bi-weekly sessions with the supervisor to discuss data, troubleshoot challenges, and outline the next steps.
- Laboratory Record-Keeping: Emphasis on maintaining a thorough laboratory notebook to document protocols, observations, and results accurately.
Research Community Engagement
- Group Meetings: Participation in lab and departmental meetings, where fellows can present ongoing research, receive feedback, and learn from colleagues.
- Academic Development: Opportunities to attend relevant workshops (e.g., scientific writing, grant proposals, research ethics) to support career growth.
- Networking: Interaction with other research groups and departments, fostering a collaborative research environment.
Professional Growth and Dissemination
- Presentation Opportunities: Fellows are encouraged to present their findings at internal group meetings.
Responsive Support
- Open-Door Policy: Fellows will have a direct and daily interaction with the supervisor or any senior lab member for clarification on protocols, data interpretation, or general guidance.
- Tailored Adjustments: Any challenges or special requests will be addressed promptly to refine and adapt the training plan.

This structured curriculum ensures that each fellow not only develops technical expertise in ex vivo tissue-based research and advanced drug delivery strategies but also grows professionally through active participation in the academic community.

Accommodation

There are several hostel options available. Contact us for more information. Try Airbnb.com

Fees and Program Logistics

This program has the following durations available:

Duration	Fee
2 weeks	$875.00
6 weeks	$1,500.00

This program allows Merit Applications. This program allows merit-based applications for virtual and onsite clinical and research programs. If you are successfully awarded under this category, Trialect or the host mentor will cover the tuition fee only. All applications will be evaluated based on merit. Due to the high level of competition, the chances of being selected under the merit category are quite limited.

Who Can Apply

Anyone interested in expanding their expertise in tissue models

Open to students, researchers, and professionals interested in enhancing their practical skills and theoretical 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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