PhD Study : Electrospun Polymer Biomaterials for Periodontal Regeneration in Type 1 Diabetes

Summary

Background to the Project

The human oral cavity contains 700 bacterial species that can penetrate the digestive and respiratory tracts. The oral ecosystem imbalance leads to  challenges for oral and systemic health. The oral microbiome is a key factor in health or disease and its modification contributes to diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, arthritis & cancer, the most common of the non-communicable diseases (NCD). NDCs share significant risk factors with periodontal disease (PD) but a knowledge gap exists with the causal relationship between PD and Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM).

This project will enhance the fundamental knowledge of the mechanisms of an in vitro hyperglycaemic cell culture environment, its influence on the periodontal bacteria and its effect on periodontal bone cell regeneration and repair mechanisms on 3D polymeric biomaterial scaffold models. PDs are triggered by bacterial infections and characterised by the destruction of the periodontal tissues (gingiva, cementum, alveolar bone and the periodontal ligament). These tissues are essential support structures for the tooth and their dysfunction is implicated in the pathogenesis of PD. 50% of US adults over the age of 30 are affected by PD and severe forms of PD are considered the 6th most prevalent disease of mankind (4). Several treatment modalities have been investigated to repair and regenerate periodontal tissues.

These clinical studies have utilised biologically active biomaterials to achieve this, and therefore the aim of this project is to contribute to the scientific basis for the use of electrospun polymeric biomaterials in the periodontal regeneration process.

Key Methods Employed Biomaterial Preparation for 3D Models

- Electrospun polymers (PCL & PLCL) will be used because of their ease of fabrication and reproducibility in terms of dimension, geometry, interconnectivity and uniformity of internal pores. These polymers have been shown to support the regeneration of new bone in-house and electrospinning processes will be adjusted to create 3D fibrous scaffolds with a thickness of 250μM to mimic the human periodontal ligament anatomy. Fabrication & 3D osteoblast model of periodontal disease

- An oral osteoblast-like model of bone formation will be used to conduct bone formation assays in normal and hyperglycaemic culture conditions to mimic the Type 1 IDDM milieu.

Regeneration Response – Regeneration will be defined as the in vitro formation of new alveolar bone and cementum. This analysis will be performed using an array of advanced microscopic, physical, chemical and biological characterisation techniques.

Supervisory Arrangements

This PhD studentship will build upon recently conducted research and will merge the scientific domains of electrospun synthetic biomaterials and cell/molecular biology (Dr Burke), AFM of polymer samples and micobiological biofilm assessment (Dr Farokh-Payam). Assessment of microbiological response will be performed under the supervision of Dr. Dunlop. Skills Required of Applicant: This PhD studentship would suit a graduate in biomedical Science, dentistry or biomedical engineering. The successful applicant should have a good knowledge of material science and a sound knowledge of cell biology techniques would be advantageous. Effective communication skills through oral and written means is also a desirable quality.

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