During her PhD studies, Sif J. Friis focused on advancing oral drug delivery for biologics by investigating the biomechanics of gastric tissue and its interaction with injection mechanisms. Oral devices like the Self-Orienting Millimeter Scale Applicator (SOMA) offer a promising alternative to subcutaneous injections, but their success depends on understanding tissue behavior and optimizing device design. Through a combination of experimental methods and numerical simulations, Sif J. Friis characterized the mechanical properties of gastric tissue, explored the effects of needle parameters on tissue interaction, and developed predictive models to support device optimization. Her research also initiated studies on cellular responses to mechanical stress, contributing to a deeper understanding of tissue-device interactions.

This work enhances the design of safer and more effective drug delivery systems while reducing reliance on animal testing, paving the way for innovative solutions in the field.

The PhD study was completed at the Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University, in collaboration with Device & Delivery Solutions, Novo Nordisk A/S.

This summary was prepared by the PhD student.

Time: Friday, 7 February 2025 at 10.30
Place: Building 1427, room 149 (M1), Conference Centre, Aarhus University, Frederik Nielsens Vej 4, 8000 Aarhus C
Title of PhD thesis: Towards In-Silico Modeling of Oral Device Concepts: Methods for Characterization of Gastric Tissue

Contact information: Sif J. Friis, e-mail: sif.friis@bce.au.dk, tel.: +45 51949801

Members of the assessment committee:

PhD, Professor, Edoardo Mazza, Institute for Mechanical Systems, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zürich, Switzerland

PhD, Advanced QA Professional, Marie Sand Traberg, Device & Delivery Solutions, Novo Nordisk A/S, Denmark

PhD, Professor, Edzard Spillner (Chair), Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, Denmark

Main supervisor:
PhD, Associate Professor, Jens Vinge Nygaard, Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Aarhus University, Denmark

Co-supervisor:
PhD, Senior R&D Engineer, Mette Poulsen, Device & Delivery Solutions, Novo Nordisk A/S, Denmark

Principal Mechanical Engineer, Torben Strøm Hansen, Device & Delivery Solutions, Novo Nordisk A/S, Denmark

PhD, MD, Hans Gregersen, California Medical Innovations Institute, San Diego, California, The United States

Language: The PhD dissertation will be defended in English

The defence is public.
The PhD thesis is available for reading at the Graduate School of Technical Sciences/GSTS, Ny Munkegade 120, building 1521, 8000 Aarhus C.