PhD studentships
Nanocomposites for tissue engineering
Nanocomposites are potential materials for tissue engineering scaffolds. The inclusion of nanoparticulate materials into biocompatible polymers can influence the mechanical properties of the material and also the bioactivity.
Nanoparticulates however have potential toxicological issues within the human body.
This project aims to synthesise some composites based on a degradable and a non degradable polymer (PCL and PMMA) with nanoparticles of silver (has antibacterial properties), hydroxyapatite and titanium dioxide (biomaterials for bone repair).
Bioactivity, biocompatibility, tissue formation and potential inflammatory responses of the bulk materials will be analysed using osteoblasts, fibroblasts and monocytes/macrophages.
Potential cytotoxicity of the nanoparticles will also be assessed using a variety of particle sizes and the above cell types.
Degree Type
3 Year PhD
Eligibility
Degree in relevant area including biomaterials, chemistry or materials science.
Funding
If you are from UK / EU you can apply for funding for this studentship through the School's EPSRC Doctoral Training Account (DTA). The award will provide Home tuition fees and an EPSRC-level stipend of £12,940.
Awards will be based on the merit of your application against the applications of other applicants. There is no deadline for applications, but the majority of funding will be allocated in June annually.Start Date
September 2009
Application Deadline
April 30th 2009
Reference
PhD/09/JG/01
Supervisor Contact Details
Dr Julie Gough (School of Materials) and Dr Paul Christian (School of Chemistry)
For further information about the project, please contact:
Email: j.gough@manchester.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)161 306 8958
Admissions Contact
Postgraduate Team, School of Materials
Email: pg-materials@manchester.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)161 306 4824
How to Apply
You can apply for postgraduate opportunities online quoting the project reference number.