PhD Study : Plasmas for cancer treatment: interactions of plasma generated radicals with biological tissue and cells

Summary

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is an emerging modality for the treatment of solid tumours. Current evidence suggests tumour cells are induced into apoptosis via multiple pathways including plasma generated reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) as well as cell cycle disruption and potentially via induction of immunogenic cell death. A 2018 review of CAP in oncology found 27 in-vivo studies. These concluded that there was a significant reduction in tumour size and an increase in survival rate.

Low energy plasma-liquid systems can generate large quantities of reactive oxygen & nitrogen species, e.g. the hydroxyl radical (OH) that are normally delivered by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. While superficial tumours provide an excellent target for plasma treatment, tumours within the body are much harder to reach. Plasma systems are complex with high voltages/currents/electric fields/temperature and UV flux and so direct plasma treatment inside the body is not considered likely in the future. An alternative, indirect, approach involves plasma pre-activation of liquids (PAL) which are subsequently injected into the tumour site. However, the main limitation here is that the most active agents are short-lived, lasting less than 1 second.

In NIBEC we have developed a radically new approach called Droplet In Plasma (DiP) where we pass a stream of microscopic liquid droplets through the plasma. These become activated with e.g. OH radicals which can be transported very quickly to the target (milliseconds) before the reactivity decays. We have published our results in high impact journals, e.g. Nano Letters and have demonstrated the efficacy of these droplets in killing bacteria from a long distance (> 10 cm) away. The next stage requires investigations more directly relevant to cancer treatment, namely what are the optimal conditions for generating the appropriate reactive chemistry, how this chemistry effects the biological targets and how does efficacy change with distance.

Plasma-liquid systems are highly complex; we need to (i) obtain accurate models of the plasma through precise measurement of multiple physical and chemical parameters and appropriate numerical simulation, (ii) study the effects of important plasma-generated radical species on biomolecules such as DNA, amino acids, lipids and (iii) progress to more in-depth study of plasma interactions with normal and tumour cells in-vitro. This PhD project will focus mainly on in-vitro cell studies and in particular will aim to investigate advanced in-vitro models using our latest developments in 3D printing of biomaterial scaffolds for cell culture. Creating 3D scaffolds is a promising tissue engineering approach to providing an optimal environment for cell attachment, proliferation and differentiation. The project will also draw on our recent success in developing plasma models and studies of its interaction with DNA, amino acids and bacterial cells.

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