Development of New Biomaterials for Biosensing

Our research cuts across the traditional disciplinary boundaries, and we therefore invite applications for research leading to the PhD degree from scientists and engineers in all appropriate subjects who have an interest in any of our research areas.

The main application sectors addressed by our research are: energy conversion; environmental protection; transport; electronics/optoelectronics; and healthcare. Across all themes the research is carried out with strong support from and involvement of industrial organisations. This close collaboration with industry, alongside our first class facilities, ensures that the Department is at the forefront of Materials Science and Engineering research.

Background:
Disease states, such as cancer, malaria, heart failure and tuberculosis, introduce
biomolecular changes in signatures of proteins, enzymes or nucleic acid make-ups that
represent targets for diagnostic tests, yet currently used tests suffer from inaccuracy,
insensitivity, difficulties with implementation or high costs. Innovative nanomaterial-based
assays represent cost-amenable approaches that could be used as technological platforms
capable of ultransensitive detection of disease biomarkers giving easily interpretable outputs
(e.g. colour changes), which would transform the field of biosensing.
The aim of this project is to develop new nanomaterial-based arrays capable of detecting
biomarkers for cancer and infectious diseases at ultralow concentrations.
The Project:
This project will focus on the development of new nanomaterial-based assays capable of
detecting biomarkers specific to cancer and infectious diseases in serum. The nanomaterials
will need to be designed and optimised according to the concentrations of relevant
biomarkers and cost-amenability of the nanomaterial assay. The physical properties of the
assay will need to be fully and completely characterised to understand the effects of
agglomeration and influence of surrounding protein moieties. This project will culminate in
preclinical tests using patient samples.
 

Applicants should have or expect to obtain a first class undergraduate degree (or equivalent)
in a relevant discipline such as Bioengineering, Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry or
Engineering. You will be a highly self motivated individual with demonstrable experience of
experimental research.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Applications are invited for a PhD studentship on the development of new biomaterials for
biosensing, paying a non-taxable bursary of £15,590 per annum (current stipend) as well as
will cover tuition fees at the home/EU rate. Funding is available only to applicants who have
been ordinarily resident in the UK for three years prior to the start date.