PhD Study : Formulation and characterisation and evaluations carbon-based nanomaterials and nanocomposites for targeted drug delivery as anti-microbial and anti-cancer agents

  • Self-funded PhD opportunity
  • This opportunity is now closed.
  • Life and Health Sciences
Apply and key information  

Summary

Background:

Carbon-based nanomaterials such as fullerene, carbon dots, graphene, and their derivatives in pure state, functionalized or combined with polymer engineering strategies constitute a promising source of new materials with broad spectrum antimicrobial properties and anti-cancer performance. They are biocompatibility, biodegradability, and possess capacity to induce tissue regeneration. Furthermore, their antimicrobial mode of action is mainly physical (e.g., membrane distortion), characterized by a low risk of antimicrobial resistance. Therefore, carbon-based nanomaterials and nanocomposites will be develop in this project to provide alternative antimicrobial and anti-cancer strategies. The physical and biological properites of these new carbon-based nanomaterials and nanocomposites will be characterized in terms of mechanical performance, water sorption and diffusion, wettability, thermal and electrical conductivity, drug release,  antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activity, cell adhesion and in vitro and in vivo toxicity. The new materials developed in this project will be designed for targeted drug delivery as anti-microbial and anti-cancer agents.

Objective:

We will aim to use in-vitro, 3D bio-printed and in-vivo models of infection and cancer to test the novel carbon-based nanomaterials and nanocomposite developed in this project.

Impact:

The successful completion of this project could lead to the development of novel therapeutice options for resistant microbial infections and safe effective therapeutics for cancers.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

  • Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
  • Clearly defined research proposal detailing background, research questions, aims and methodology

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

  • Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
  • Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
  • Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
  • Work experience relevant to the proposed project
  • Publications record appropriate to career stage
  • Experience of presentation of research findings
  • A comprehensive and articulate personal statement
  • Relevant professional qualification and/or a Degree in a Health or Health related area

Funding and eligibility

Recommended reading

Aljabali AAA, Bakshi HA, McCarron P, Tambuwala MM., et al. Albumin Nano-Encapsulation of Piceatannol Enhances Its Anticancer Potential in Colon Cancer Via Downregulation of Nuclear p65 and HIF-1α. Cancers (Basel). 2020 Jan 1;12(1):113

Haggag YA, Yasser M, Tambuwala MM, El Tokhy SS, Isreb M, Donia AA. Repurposing of Guanabenz acetate by encapsulation into long-circulating nanopolymersomes for treatment of triple-negative breast cancer. Int J Pharm. 2021 May 1;600:120532.

Satija S, Sharma P, Kaur H, Dhanjal DS, Chopra RS, Khurana N, Vyas M, Sharma N, Tambuwala MM, et al. Perfluorocarbons Therapeutics in Modern Cancer Nanotechnology for Hypoxia induced Anti-tumor Therapy. Curr Pharm Des. 2021;27(43):4376-4387.

Ángel Serrano-Aroca,…, Murtaza Tambuwala, et al. Carbon-Based Nanomaterials: Promising Antiviral Agents to Combat COVID-19 in the Microbial Resistant Era, ACS Nano 2021, 15, 5, 8069-8086; (IF: 15.881) (First and Corresponding author)

A. L. Rivera-Briso, F. L. Aachmann, V. Moreno-Manzano, Á. Serrano-Aroca, Graphene Oxide Nanosheets versus Carbon Nanofibers: Enhancement of Physical and Biological Properties of Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) Films for Biomedical Applications, International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 2020, 143, 1000-1008

M. Llorens-Gámez, B. Salesa, Á. Serrano-Aroca, Physical and Biological Properties of Alginate/Carbon Nanofibers Hydrogel Films, International Journal of Biological Macromolecules 2020, 151, 499-507.

Beatriz Salesa, Marcelo Assis, Juan Andrés, Ángel Serrano-Aroca, Carbon Nanofibers versus Silver Nanoparticles: Time-dependent Cytotoxicity, Proliferation, and Gene Expression, Biomedicines 2021, 9(9), 115

B. Salesa, M. Llorens-Gámez, Á. Serrano-Aroca, Study of 1D and 2D Carbon Nanomaterial in Alginate Films, Nanomaterials 2020, 10, 206; (IF: 5.076)

R. Sabater i Serra, J. Molina-Mateo, C. Torregrosa-Cabanilles, A. Adrio-Balado, J. M. Meseguer Dueñas, Á. Serrano-Aroca, Bio-Nanocomposite Hydrogel Based on Zinc Alginate/Graphene Oxide: Morphology, Structural Conformation, Thermal Behavior/Degradation, and Dielectric Properties, Polymers 2020, 12(3), 702.

M. Martí, B. Frígols, B. Salesa, Á. Serrano-Aroca, Calcium alginate/graphene oxide films: Reinforced composites able to prevent Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis infections with no cytotoxicity for human keratinocyte HaCaT cells, European Polymer Journal 2019, 110, 14-21

B. Frígols, M. Martí, B. Salesa, C. Hernández-Oliver, O. Aarstad, A. Teialeret Ulset, G. Inger Sӕtrom, F. L. Aachmann,  Á. Serrano-Aroca, Graphene oxide in zinc alginate films: Antibacterial activity, cytotoxicity, zinc release, water sorption/diffusion, wettability and opacity, PloS ONE 2019, 14(3):e0212819 (IF: 3.240)

B. Salesa, M. Martí, B. Frígols, Á. Serrano-Aroca, Carbon Nanofibers in Pure Form and in Calcium Alginate Composites Films: New Cost-Effective Antibacterial Biomaterials against the Life-Threatening Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis, Polymers  2019, 11(3):453 .

L. Elias, R. Taengua, B. Frígols, B. Salesa, Á. Serrano-Aroca, Carbon Nanomaterials and LED Irradiation as Antibacterial Strategies against Gram-positive Multidrug-resistant Pathogens, International Journal of Molecular Science 2019, 20(14), 3603

The Doctoral College at Ulster University

Key dates

Submission deadline
Monday 28 February 2022
12:00AM

Interview Date
April 2022

Preferred student start date
mid September 2022

Applying

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