Reference number: CG-MD-2101
Start date of studentship: 1 April 2021
Closing date of advert: 10 Feb 2021
Interview date: Shortly after the closing date
This industrially supported studentship (by CRODA), is a terrific opportunity to apply Sustainable, Eco-Friendly and Nature-Derived Polymers for formulations of novel degradable capsules that could encapsulate and release the bioactive cargo upon external stimulus. Currently, a number of formulations from detergents, cosmetics and fabric softeners up to agriculture mixtures contain stimuli-responsive but not degradable capsules (referred to as microplastic) and there is much-needed step to replace them in order to achieve Eco-friendly and Sustainable Economy.
This PhD will have the potential to develop a new generation of degradable stimuli-responsive capsules for seed protection. Stimuli-responsive systems are well developed in medicine and pharma, however their applications in agriculture remains limited. The pesticide / seed protection field also requires continued systematic research for the development of improved environmentally responsive, targeted, controlled-release formulations to reduce the premature degradation of pesticides, improve their efficacy, and decrease collateral effects towards nontarget organisms. At the same time formulations should improve yields, decrease losses, and enhance nutritional quality of agricultural crop.
Project Details:
Number of eco-friendly, sustainable biopolymer/oil/bioactive formulations will be studied for preparation of stimuli-responsive degradable capsules. This will initially include using naturally occurring biopolymers, which may require chemical modification, and later in the project synthesis of bespoke polymers. Ability of the shells to encapsulate bioactives will be investigated to understand how to optimise the shell thickness and shelf life of the product. If appropriate, encapsulation of soil friendly bacteria or fungi will be investigated in the attempt to develop fully bio-sustainable product.
This is interdisciplinary project between Chemistry (Materials) and Chemical Engineering where the intention would be to utilise the knowledge on eco-friendly polymers to develop degradable microcapsules and at the same time develop a process that can be scaled up. Within this project different manufacturing technique, including membrane emulsification, will be tried along with interfacial reactions, to produce the bespoke bio-degradable capsules. Range of formulations will be examined with the intention to obtain a free-flowing powder as a final product.
Unique opportunities
There is a generous annual allowance to cover attendance at international conferences and an industrial placement with CRODA. Additional training visits fund is secured through (ENCAP4HEALTH project) https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/872019.
Entry requirements:
Applicants should have at least a 2:1 Honours (or equivalent) in any of the following: chemistry, chemical-, bio-, biochemical- or materials engineering. Previous experience in microencapsulation or polymers would be useful.
How to apply:
Apply under Chemical Engineering program: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/apply/ and submit all the relevant documentation including the research proposal.
Contact: Dr Marijana Dragosavac ([Email Address Removed]).
Please quote reference number: CG-MD-2101
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