Key details
Dr Francis Brako
Senior Lecturer in Pharmaceutical Science
I completed a degree in Pharmacy from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana. After working for nearly 7 years as the Pharmacist in charge of Drug Information for a multinational pharmaceutical company, I began my postgraduate studies in the UK in 2011. After obtaining an MSc with Distinction in Drug Delivery from Aston University, the University College London awarded me a scholarship as the Dean’s Scholar for a PhD in Biomaterial Processing for Drug Delivery. For my postgraduate research degree, I developed a novel multicompartment nanofiber system for progesterone to be used as a vaginal dosage system for the prevention of pre-term births. Subsequently, I worked as the scientific advisor on formulations at the European Paediatric Translational Research Infrastructure (EPTRI) before accepting a lecturer position at the Medway School of Pharmacy.
With over 10 years of experience in the pharmaceutical field, I have been providing pharmacovigilance advice, medical quality assurance, and offering guidance on regulatory matters for the pharmaceutical industry. I am actively engaged in pharmaceutical research, exploring synergies between innovative drug delivery systems and relevant regulatory considerations. More recently, I have been exploring the intersections between pharmaceutical technology and artificial intelligence for opportunities in optimising drug development for more effective and safer pharmacotherapy.
In addition to teaching university students, I specialise in formulation science, drug development and medication administration such as creating small batches of drugs by using new delivery methods, specially designed for implementation in clinical trials.
Responsibilities within the university
- PhD supervision
- Module Leadership
- Undergraduate and Postgraduate Teaching
- Research Project Supervision
Awards
2013: UCL Deans Scholar Award (Faculty of Engineering)
2022: Royal Society International Exchange Award
Recognition
Fellow of Higher Education Academy
Registered Pharmacist, PSGh Member
Research / Scholarly interests
Material processing by nanotechnology for drug delivery applications
Within my research scope, I specialise in material processing through nanotechnology to revolutionise drug delivery. By harnessing the unique properties of nanomaterials, I aim to engineer innovative carriers that enhance drug bioavailability, targeting, and release profiles. This exploration at the intersection of nanotechnology and pharmaceuticals holds immense promise for creating more effective and tailored therapeutic interventions.
Developing transmucosal drug delivery systems
My research thrust involves pioneering transmucosal drug delivery systems, aiming to optimise therapeutic absorption through mucosal surfaces. By designing novel formulations and delivery mechanisms, I strive to enhance drug permeability, offering a non-invasive approach for improved patient compliance and treatment efficacy. This work holds significant potential for advancing pharmaceutical delivery strategies.
Exploring the intersections between artificial intelligence and pharmaceutical processing technologies for real-world health benefits
I am actively engaged in investigating the intersections of artificial intelligence (AI) and pharmaceutical processing technologies to catalyse a transformative impact on translating research outcomes into tangible health benefits. By harnessing AI-driven analytics and optimisation algorithms, I seek to streamline drug development processes, accelerate personalised medicine, and usher in a new era of efficient, data-driven healthcare innovations.
Pharmaceutical formulation science
My research expertise extends to pharmaceutical formulation science, a field where I delve into the intricate art of crafting optimal drug formulations. Through meticulous study and innovation, I work towards enhancing drug stability, bioavailability, and patient compliance, ensuring that pharmaceutical formulations meet the highest standards of safety and efficacy.
Recent publications
O Shafi, M Edirisinghe, F Brako (2023)Polysorbate enhanced progesterone loaded drug diffusion from macromolecular fibrous patches for applications in obstetrics and gynaecology. Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology 79, 104062
Aydogdu,M., Rohn, J., Jafari, N., Brako, F, Homer鈥怴anniasinkam,S., Edirisinghe, M. (2022). Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Type 2鈥怌ausing Coronavirus: Variants and Preventive Strategies Advanced Science 9 (11), 2104495
Alessandrini, E., Brako, F., Scarpa, M., Lupo, M., Bonifazi, D., Pignataro, V., Cavallo, M., Cullufe, O., Enache, C., Nafria, B. and Claverol, J., (2021). Children’s Preferences for Oral Dosage Forms and Their Involvement in Formulation Research via EPTRI (European Paediatric Translational Research Infrastructure).
Pharmaceutics, 13(5), p.730.
Cam, M.E., Hazar-Yavuz, A.N., Cesur, S., Ozkan, O., Alenezi, H., Sasmazel, H.T., Eroglu, M.S., Brako, F., Ahmed, J., Kabasakal, L., Ren, G., and Edirisinghe , M. (2020). A novel treatment strategy for preterm birth: Intra-vagina progesterone-loaded fibrous patches. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 588, p.119782
F Brako, C Luo, RK Matharu, L Ciric, A Harker, M Edirisinghe, DQM Craig (2020). A Portable Device for the Generation of Drug-Loaded Three-Compartmental Fibers Containing Metronidazole and Iodine for Topical Application. Pharmaceutics 12 (4), 373
T Shams, F Brako, S Huo, AH Harker, U Edirisinghe, M Edirisinghe (2019). The influence of drug solubility and sampling frequency on metformin and glibenclamide release from double-layered particles: experimental analysis and mathematical modelling. Journal of the Royal Society Interface 16 (155), 20190237
E Altun, MO Aydogdu, M Crabbe鈥怣ann, J Ahmed, F Brako, B Karademir (2019). Co鈥怌ulture of Keratinocyte鈥怱taphylococcus aureus on Cu鈥怉g鈥怹n/CuO and Cu鈥怉g鈥怶 Nanoparticle Loaded Bacterial Cellulose: PMMA Bandages. Macromolecular Materials and Engineering 304 (1), 1800537
Presentations
Brako, F., Craig, D. Q., Luo, C. J. & Edirisinghe, M. A portable electrospinning device capable of delivering multiple essential materials for wound care. Early Career Researchers Presentation to the UK Parliament. House of Commons, London. 12 March 2018.
Brako, F., Martha Gyansa-Lutterodt, M., Craig, D. Q., & Edirisinghe, M. Pharmacy-focused interventions for improving utility and sustainability of the national health insurance scheme (Ghana). 77th International Pharmaceutical Federation World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul, South Korea. 10-14 September 2017.
Brako, F., Craig, D. Q., & Edirisinghe, M. Exploring Pressurised Gyration and Electrohydrodynamic Atomisation (EHDA) Methods for Producing Drug-loaded Mucoadhesive fibres. Society for Biomaterials Annual Meeting and Exposition, Minneapolis, USA. 6th April 2017.