The treatment of large skin defects arising from burns and trauma remains a challenge. Despite emerging tissue engineering approaches, skin grafts and dermal substitutes are still the standard practice for majority of skin defects. Revascularisation of skin is essential for nutrients, oxygen and immune cell supply to the healing wound. Success of skin graft or “take” is highly dependent on the revascularization of the graft. Poorly vascularized skin would become necrotic and take poorly, leading to graft failure.
Dermal substitutes are gaining in popularity due to ease of use. However, vascularisation in skin regenerated using dermal substitutes is slow and dependent on the ingrowth of vessel-forming angiogenic cells. The gold standard for full thickness burn wounds or large traumatic wounds is Integra, a dermal substitute comprising of bovine collagen on silicone backing. Despite the take rate of Integra being less that 40%, there has been little advancement in treatment options for large skin defects. Pre-seeding of angiogenic cells onto dermal substitutes prior to application has been reported widely in literature with some success. However, translation from bench to bedside has been challenging due to regulatory hurdles.
In this project, we aim to develop acellular dermal substitutes that are capable of angiogenesis for treatment of large skin defects arising from burns and trauma. Bioactive polymers that combine both biomolecules designed for specific cell binding and synthetic polymers that impart desired mechanophysical properties, are useful materials for tissue contact medical device fabrication. As the biomolecules on these polymers can elicit bioactivity in host’s body itself, no foreign cells are required to be added to the device. This allows for the device to not be considered a “biologic” in regulatory classification and barrier to regulatory approval becomes considerably lower. The use of 3D printing in device fabrication allows for complex designs to be produced such as those needing micropore networks for host cell or fluid penetration. Herein, we aim to make use of bioactive synthetic polymers capable of binding revascularisation-inducers (FGF, VEGF, MMP-inhibitor) and 3D printing techniques to produce dermal matrices for closure of large skin defects. Success in development of this product can lead to extension of similar methodologies to development of synthetic bone grafts. Revascularisation in bone grafts, especially large grafts for structural bone application or spinal fusion, are especially important for successful bone formation.
Eligibility
Applicants must have obtained or be about to obtain a First or Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of science, engineering or technology.
Before you Apply
Applicants must make direct contact with preferred University of Manchester supervisors before applying. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to meet with potential supervisors, prior to submitting a formal online application.
How To Apply
To be considered for this project you MUST submit a formal online application form - full details on eligibility how to apply can be found on our website. On the online application form select PhD Materials Programme. Please ensure you include the full project title in your application, i.e. (A*STAR) Development of dermal matrix with revascularisation properties to advance the integration of skin substitutes.
Your application form must be accompanied by a number of supporting documents by the advertised deadlines. Without all the required documents submitted at the time of application, your application will not be processed and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you have any queries regarding making an application please contact our admissions team [Email Address Removed]
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact. We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.
We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).
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