Design of Novel Antimicrobials via Functionalised Nanoparticle Libraries: Advanced Materials Design Against Antimicrobial Resistance

Entry requirements

Please use this Research Proposal, Personal statement and CV writing guide when preparing an application.

Months of entry

Anytime

Course content

Biofilm-associated infections pose a significant challenge in healthcare and industrial settings due to their inherent resistance to antimicrobial agents. At the NanoLAB in Salford, we are investigating how advanced nanoparticle design influences antimicrobial properties and biofilm inhibition. Tailored functionalisation of nanoparticles and the formation of the biomolecular corona upon interaction with biological environments have been shown to influence their antimicrobial activity. However, the precise relationship between nanoparticle properties, corona composition, and biofilm formation remains poorly understood.

Would you like to join us in pioneering new strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance through nanotechnology? This interdisciplinary PhD project aims to design and characterise plasmonic nanoparticle libraries and functionalise their surfaces to systematically investigate their antimicrobial properties and the role of biomolecular corona formation in biofilm development. The findings from this research will contribute to the rational design of nanoparticle-based antimicrobial strategies, with further applications in medicine, biotechnology, and environmental science.

We are seeking a positive, dedicated, and motivated PhD candidate with a passion for interdisciplinary research, strong knowledge in chemistry and materials science, and a commitment to learning across disciplines while collaborating with researchers from diverse academic and cultural backgrounds. Specific research objectives will be discussed with the supervisory team and may include: synthesis and characterisation of plasmonic nanoparticle libraries with controlled physicochemical properties (size, charge, surface functionalisation, and composition); study and characterisation of biomolecular corona formation and composition; assessment of antimicrobial properties using in-house developed antimicrobial evaluation methods against clinically relevant pathogens; mechanistic studies on biofilm formation to understand how the nanoparticle-biological interface modulates bacterial adhesion, biofilm development, and resistance mechanisms; additionally the project may involve synergistic study incorporating nanoparticle enhanced phage-based treatment.

The research methodology will employ a multidisciplinary approach combining nanomaterial synthesis, high-resolution nanoparticle characterisation (including various analytical and electron microscopy-based methods), proteomics for corona characterisation, microbiological assays (biofilm formation and antimicrobial susceptibility testing), and potential expansion to AI-based analysis of outcomes.

We are looking for a candidate with a strong background in chemistry, nanotechnology, microbiology, or biomedical sciences. Prior experience in nanoparticle synthesis and characterisation or microbiological techniques is desirable but not essential. The ideal candidate should have a passion for interdisciplinary research and problem-solving and be motivated to deliver high-quality cross-disciplinary research in accordance with the highest standards of research integrity. The successful PhD candidate will receive extensive training in advanced nanomaterial characterisation techniques, microbiological and biofilm assays, and cutting-edge analytical approaches. They will also be integrated into the University-led PhD cohort training and be part of two PhD Development Networks in the School of Science, Engineering and Environment (Materials Group and Infection/Microbiology Group). We expect the candidate to present at national or international conferences and contribute to high-impact publications.

Fees and funding

To enquire about University of Salford funding schemes – including the Widening Participation Scholarship – visit this website.