PhD Study : Multi-Functional Layered Nanocomposite Coatings for Bioactive Tissue Scaffold Development

Summary

The creation of customisable bioactive tissue scaffolds is essential to revolutionise effective new tissue growth (1) in a manner that offers performance similar to or better than the current gold standard in many tissue grafting procedures, autografts.

This project will develop various functionalised films for the creation of multi-functional layered coatings which could be applied to a wide variety of existing bioinert scaffold materials thereby enhancing the already well-established library of scaffold materials with bioactive or biomimetic properties. The method to be used is Layer-by-Layer (LbL) assembly, which is a powerful coating technique that can be used in conjunction with a wide variety of additives from nanoparticles, ceramic nanoplatelets, metal particles and a library of polymers to create diverse nanocomposite coatings with a wide variety of properties (2).

Current LbL systems are used to release drugs, tailor mechanical properties, tailor porosity or react to stimuli such as: temperature, optical, mechanical or pH. This project proposes the summation of established coating systems into multi-functional coatings tailored for a variety of tissue scaffold applications (3).

The successful applicant will develop multi-functional coatings using LbL on 2D and 3D platforms, aimed at primarily bone or cardiac tissue scaffold applications. This will involve the development and optimisation of novel 2D and 3D coating systems, coating of a range of biomaterials and characterising of materials using established systems and protocols. Working at the NIBEC building within Ulster University the PhD researcher  will have access to world leading materials characterisation equipment and will be guided by supervisors with expertise in LbL systems, materials characterisation and biomaterial development.

The proposed multi-functional coatings have the potential to revolutionise biomaterial development by offering a multitude of controlled and graded functions to materials that are traditionally deemed to be inert. This will  allow for the creation of customised bioactive tissue scaffolds developed to challenge the current gold standard and offer improved treatment of a wide variety of diseases and afflictions.

References;

1.Williams, D. F. Front. Bioeng. Biotechnol. 7, 1–10 (2019).

2.Richardson, J. J. et al. Chem. Rev. 116, 14828–14867 (2016).

3.Zhang, S., Xing, M. & Li, B. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 19, 1641 (2018).

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

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
• Masters at 65%
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications - peer-reviewed

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