PhD Study : An interdisciplinary approach to tackling deep bone infections

Summary

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a global challenge, which if not addressed, could see as many as 10 million deaths annually by 2050. Within this there is a significant unmet clinical need with respect to the treatment of deep bone infections. If normal antibiotic treatments prove unsuccessful then there is a risk of the development of chronic osteomyelitis, which requires a more invasive and expensive intervention. Furthermore, using high doses of antibiotics often carries the risk of significant side effects for patients. Osteomyelitis currently affects approximately 10–100/100,000 of the population per year and is indeed a life threatening condition and is associated with a reduced quality of life. Osteomyelitis is predominantly caused by Staphylococcus aureus, which is responsible for almost 2/3 of all the reported chronic cases. Other Bacilli have also been implicated (and it is suggested that 29% of infections are polymicrobial).

Notwithstanding the possibility of AMR there is a clear need to develop better treatments for bone infections. Currently several different products, (incorporating antibiotics) are available for localised treatment of infected bone.  However, more than 90% of the drug remains trapped in the system and is of no therapeutic value (and must be removed after treatment).

The core objective of this novel and ambitious project is to develop new bone substitute materials, based on hydroxyapatite (the main mineral constituent of bone), doped with rare earth elements (for example, cerium, selenium), which have been shown to have significant antimicrobial potential. The key aspect here is to not only deliver localised antimicrobial treatments that tackle all of the issues highlighted above, but also retain their ability to enhance bone repair. Specifically, the project here will focus on delivering new materials that are biomimetic (in that they mirror the complex chemistry of human bone). However, by increasing the concentrations of these elements, significant enhancements in the bone graft performance are possible. New additive manufacturing technologies will be employed to deliver the grafts, which will be tested using appropriate in vitro techniques and bioassays to test for antimicrobial efficacy.

This project is interdisciplinary in nature, utilising the expertise and facilities available already within NIBEC. Further to this, the project will be jointly supervised by a new academic member of staff (Dr. Elena Mancuso), who has specific skills in the area of additive manufacturing. The PhD student recruited will undertake this project through a number of well-structured and managed work packages under the joint supervision of the team.

The approach proposed here aligns directly with the 5&50 strategic plan and cuts across the themes of both sustainability (through the development of novel materials) and healthy communities (through tackling AMR). Further support and the potential for clinical input will also be available via the NI AMR Network. The major impact of the study will be revolutionise how we deal with AMR in human bone. The systems produced will provide localised and cost-effective antimicrobial materials that retain the ability to enhance bone growth and overcome the shortcomings in current therapies for bone tissue infections.

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.

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living