This exciting opportunity is based within the Advanced Materials Research Group in the Faculty of Engineering which conducts cutting edge research into the development of novel bio-instructive materials for healthcare applications. The student will work in world-class facilities and engage with interdisciplinary team with expertise ranging from microfluidics, materials science, polymer synthesis and 3D printing.
PhD Project Description: The care and management of wounds is an ever-increasing challenge with greater numbers of hard-to-heal wounds associated with microbial biofilms driven by ageing populations and increased prevalence of diabetes creating additional burdens on international healthcare systems. Recently, droplet microfluidics has been used to develop crosslinked, functionalised 3D polymer microparticles to promote wound healing. This project aims to create a functionalised, bioresorbable microparticle system that can promote wound healing over a 21-day period. By using hydrogel materials, this also opens the possibility of adding an active agent in the core for further functionality, which could be explored during this project.
An ideal candidate will have interest in microfluidics, healthcare applications and the knowledge of materials science alongside a strong motivation to develop a world-leading expertise. The successful candidate will have a background in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials sciences, or a related field but be willing to learn new disciplines to achieve the project goals. You will develop skills in materials characterisation including advanced spectrometry techniques such as NMR and ToF-SIMS as well as microscopy and chemical synthesis techniques.
Eligibility
1. Project start date and duration: start 1st October 2024 for 36 months.
2. Candidates must possess or expect to obtain a 2:1 or first-class degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
3. Due to funding constraints this position is only eligible for UK Home Students