The University of Brighton is offering 19 fully funded PhD studentships for 2015 entry.

The project

This cross-disciplinary project merges nanosmart biomaterials and textile design expertise to test the hypothesis that nanostructured material synthesis strategies may be combined with 3D textile printing technology to create a range of complex woven structures for biological and environmental applications. Such structures, with unique properties related to composite nano- to macrostructured domains, could meet a range of global health challenges through remediation of environmental and biological tissue contaminants.

The introduction of bioactive, nanostructured components into fibrillar and porous polymeric structures is of great interest within the biomedical materials research community because of the highly versatile nature of resulting applications. Nanofibrous meshes can be made using a range of different polymers, incorporating composite nanoparticulates which impart unique properties to the material. Such materials may be made using a range of processes. For example, electrospinning processes may be adapted to generate complex scaffolds, introducing a graded nano-, micro- to macroscale structure which allows physicochemical and biological properties not seen in standard polymeric materials. In addition, adaptive properties may be introduced during synthesis, for example, via inclusion of polyphenolic antioxidant coatings, antibodies which target virulent microbial pollutants, nanoparticles and porous adsorbents for bacteriocidal effect or for the removal of biological and chemical contaminants. These properties allow a versatility of application from materials for reinforcement and environmental remediation to tissue constructs, biological fluid filtration devices, wound dressings and drug delivery devices.

The student will develop a range of fibrillar mesh and 3D printed woven structures with potential bioactivity. The student will firstly explore synthesis techniques for a range of materials. The effect of creating graded nano-micro-macrodomains within the material structure and the effect of surface modification and nanoparticle incorporation on physical properties will be characterised using techniques such as scanning electron and atomic force microscopy, XPS, ICPMS, porosimetry, particle size analysis, zeta potential and tensile strength measurement. Filtration modelling systems will then be adapted to assess functional performance using known contaminants which are poorly removed using existing remediation strategies. Biological models will be developed to assess impact on cell and microbial activity. Such devices may be applied to water, soil or biological fluid filtration or in cell carrier, wound dressing and drug delivery applications.

The student will work within an interdisciplinary team of scientists and textile design specialists and will gain experience within an international network of academic, clinical, and industrial partners progressing biomaterial technologies for global health issues. They will contribute to meetings within EU and British Council funded projects.

Supervisors

Lead: Dr Susan Sandeman

Second: Dr Patrick Dyer

Third: Prof Andrew Cundy

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a minimum of a 2:1 undergraduate degree and desirably hold or expect to achieve excellent grades in a masters degree, in a relevant subject.

Applicants are also required to submit a 1,000-word research proposal.

Funding

For UK and EU students this studentship comprises £4,620 per year to cover annual tuition fees and a contribution towards living expenses of £15,480 per year.

For students from outside of the UK/EU the funding will comprise £14,130 per year to cover annual international tuition fees and a contribution towards living expenses of £6,170 per year.

How to apply

Find out more and apply online

Deadline for applications: 26 February 2015, 4pm

+44 (0)1273 761148
brighton-doctoral-college<στο>brighton.ac.uk