PhD in Pharmaceutics for Sudanese Student

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Design and Synthesis of Smart Biomaterials for the Development of Multifunctional Stimuli-Responsive Antibiotic Nano-Delivery Systems, was the title of a study by Dr Usri Ibrahim of the Sudan.

Ibrahim was awarded a PhD in Pharmaceutics for the work which was supervised by Professor Thirumala Govender.

The doctoral thesis focused on finding effective therapeutics to combat antibacterial resistance through the development of advanced nano-delivery systems.  Ibrahim says his study reported the first Biomimetic dual-responsive antibiotic delivery system and also a novel pH-responsive hyaluronic acid-based prodrug of Ciprofloxacin for dual targeting bacterial infection and cancer.

‘The passion to discover novel effective therapeutics against challenging diseases and health problems led me towards pursuing a PhD in pharmaceutics.’

Ibrahim said he was super proud of himself and grateful to his supervisor and colleagues for their support during the stressful times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Challenges he encountered during his studies included difficulties in scientific writing, time management, and restricted access to laboratories during the pandemic.  However, he says his commitment, passion and solution-oriented approach as well as the important contributions of his supervisor and his family assured his success.

‘Studying at UKZN was an insightful experience which inspired me to high achievements,’ he added.

Words: Nombuso Dlamini

Photograph: Supplied