Antibiotic Photo Disinfection for Oral health

Oral diseases are the fourth most expensive diseases to treat globally (WHO, 2005), so developing new therapeutic management strategies to address these unmet needs in our population offers considerable public health benefit as well as potential for new product development.

Currently, there is considerable interest in the development of non-antibiotic-based bacterial disinfection therapies as increasing antibiotic resistance is a major concern within the healthcare community. Indeed, the World Health Organisation has recently identified antibiotic resistance as a major threat to global public health. Specific wavelengths of visible light are able to kill bacteria either directly (via endogenous porphyrin activation) or by photo-activation of exogenous molecules (photosensitizers, e.g. phytonutrients) by photodynamic therapy (PDT). Both killing mechanisms are mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) either released from the intracellular bacterial porphyrins or exogenous photosensitizers. Currently, the use of light for intra-oral antibacterial treatment is limited and available commercial devices are far from optimised, therefore their efficacy for disease prevention and treatment is yet to be fully realised.

The proposed studies aim to optimise PDT conditions in order to enhance their antibacterial action and offer other local benefits (e.g. reductions in inflammation).

At present, we would only consider applications from prospective students with:
- a good (bio)medical degree, with interests in any of the areas outlined above,
- good command of the English language as outlined in the postgraduate prospectus,
- a source of funding to cover tuition fees and bench fees.

To be considered for this studentship, please send the following documents to [Email Address Removed]:
• A detailed CV, including your nationality and country of birth;
• Names and addresses of two referees;
• A covering letter highlighting your research experience/capabilities;
• Copies of your degree certificates with transcripts;
• Evidence of your proficiency in the English language, if applicable.