PhD Study : The production of rhamnolipid biosurfactant by Pseudomonas aeruginosa growing in biofilms.

Apply and key information  

Summary

Rhamnolipid biosurfactants produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa have been investigated as potential replacements for chemical surfactants in a variety of commercial applications. However, P. aeruginosa is a human pathogen and the rhamnolipids also play an important role in pathogenicity including the development of biofilms. Most of the research on production of the rhamnolipids has been carried out using planktonic cultures of the bacterium, but this project will focus on the regulation of the rhamnolipid production when the organism is growing as a biofilm.

The synthesis of rhamnolipid will be investigated in biofilms at various stages of development and production under different growth conditions. There are well established techniques for examining the expression of the relevant genes using qRT-PCR and analytical methods to quantify and characterise the biosurfactant produced all of which have been developed in our laboratory.

Applicants should note that £2000 per annum in bench fees will be required for this project.

Related References:

M. Dίaz de Rienzo, P. Stevenson, R. Marchant and I.M.Banat (2016). P. aeruginosa biofilm disruption using microbial biosurfactants. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 120: 868—876. DOI: 10.1111/jam.13049

S.K. Satpute, A.G. Banpurkar, I.M. Banat, J.N. Sangshetti, R.R. Patil, W.N. Gade (2016).  Multiple Roles of Biosurfactants in Biofilms. Current Pharmaceutical Design 22, 1429-1448.

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 Doctoral College at Ulster University

Key dates

Submission deadline
Wednesday 1 September 2021
12:00AM

Interview Date
To be confirmed

Preferred student start date
Flexible

Applying

Apply Online  

Contact supervisor

Professor Ibrahim Banat

Other supervisors