Research Project 8

• Host institution: THE CHANCELLOR MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE (UCAM), United Kingdom 
  Department: The Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy
• Supervisor: Prof. Serena Best, e:mail: smb51@cam.ac.uk
• Contact: Enquiries regarding the application process may be directed to Prof. Serena Best or Prof. Ruth Cameron, e:mail: rec11@cam.ac.uk
• DC 8: NN

Project Description

DC8 will develop and characterise novel conformable, antibacterial polymer coatings for percutaneous BCHIs. The project explores photo-activated antimicrobial materials, assessing their mechanical, adhesive, and biological properties using advanced testing techniques. The materials will be evaluated in vitro with human skin cells and tested for biofilm prevention, aiming to improve wound closure, device safety, and infection resistance.  

Objectives

This PhD project aims to develop and characterise novel antibacterial polymers intended for use in percutaneous bone-contacting hearing implants (BCHIs). The project explores photo-activated antimicrobial materials, assessing their mechanical, adhesive, and biological properties using advanced testing techniques. The materials will be evaluated using in vitro cell culture and will be tested for biofilm prevention, aiming to improve wound closure, device safety, and infection resistance.

Research activities include: 

• Materials – identification of potential candidate materials for polymer design
• Selection of antimicrobial agents for polymer composite.
• Characterisation of physical, chemical and mechanical behaviour (using NMR, FTIR, XRD)
• Development of in-vitro testing models using dermal- and osteoblast cells
• Assessment of antibacterial behaviour 

Training and mobility:

Research secondments at SHIELD partner institutions:

• Ashland (Ireland)
• University College Dublin (UCD) (Ireland)
• Technical University Dresden (TUD), Germany
• Participation in specialised training workshops and international conferences.

Expected Results