Development of F-gas free ultrasound contrast agents for diagnostic and therapeutic applications

Summary

Ultrasound contrast agents (UCA’s) are used widely in medicine to improve the quality of diagnostic ultrasound images.

UCA’s are microparticles (microbubbles) containing a lipid, polymer or protein stabilised shell filled a gas core.

Commercially available UCAs such as Luminity, SonoVue and Sonozoid utilise F-gases such as pefluoropropane, perfluorobutane or sulfur hexafluoride as the core-gas.

These gases are extremely hydrophobic and this feature helps stabilise the microbubbles in systemic circulation.

However, they also have extremely high global warming potentials (8,800 – 22,800 relative to CO2) and both the UK and EU have pledged to phase down the use of F-gases by approximately 80% by 2030.

Unfortunately, the F-gases contained within UCA’s are expired into the atmosphere following administration to patients, contributing to global warming.

This project seeks to develop F-gas free UCA’s for use in diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Various shell chemistries and environmentally friendly core-gas alternatives to F-gases will be explored to identify the most effective formulation in terms of stability, safety and echogenicity.

The specific objectives are:
1. Investigate a range of lipid formulation / gas combinations to generate a lead formulation with comparable performance characteristics to existing UFA’s.
2. Use in vitro, ex-vivo and in vivo models to demonstrate the effectiveness of the F-gas free UCA’s.
3. Determine the potential of the F-gas free UCA’s to be utilised as therapeutic drug delivery vehicles by incorporating drug payloads within the formulation.

Important Information: Applications for more than one PhD studentship are welcome, however if you apply for more than one PhD project within Biomedical Sciences, your first application on the system will be deemed your first-choice preference and further applications will be ordered based on the sequential time of submission.

If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be interviewed only on your first-choice application and ranked accordingly. Those ranked highest will be offered a PhD studentship.

In the situation where you are ranked highly and your first-choice project is already allocated to someone who was ranked higher than you, you may be offered your 2nd or 3rd choice project depending on the availability of this project.

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
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

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.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• Experience of presentation of research findings

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)

This scholarship will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £21,000* (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of approximately £900 per annum is also available.

To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a UK National, or

• Have settled status, or

• Have pre-settled status, or

• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter, or

• be an Irish National

Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme.

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.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period