Developing Antimicrobial Textiles through Photodynamic Inactivation

Key facts

Deadline - Friday 6 January 2023

Funding start date - Spring 2023- Sunday 1 October 2023

Number of funding places - 1

Country eligibility - UK only

Source of funding - University of Leeds

Summary

LITAC (Leeds Institute of Textiles and Colour) hosted by the School of Design, is offering a highly competitive PhD scholarship consisting of the award of tuition fees and an annual maintenance stipend that matches UKRI rates (17,668 GBP in 2022/23) along with a significant element of training and development expenses also incorporated within the Scholarship package.

A number of studies have clearly established that textile surfaces act as a vector for the transmission of infectious agents. There is therefore an increased demand for antibacterial textiles in a wide variety of settings such as the healthcare sector and performance apparel. A crucial aspect of the antibacterial agent is that it does not drive further antibacterial-resistant strains and is low cost, if antibacterial textiles are to be used in certain applications such as single-use items.

In this research we will use the emerging concept of antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation (aPDI) and its clinical counterpart photodynamic therapy (PDT). Based on the principle that certain organic compounds (photosensitisers) can induce cell death (cytotoxicity) when exposed to light in the presence of oxygen. Bacteria, fungi, and viruses are particularly susceptible to aPDI/PDT unlike healthy eukaryotic cells.

Entry requirements

The applicant will have achieved (or expected to achieve) a minimum of a 2:1 in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Colour Chemistry or a related subject.

The candidate will also have a particular interest in organic molecule/colorant synthesis, the processing of textiles (in particular the wet processing, e.g. coloration), performing antimicrobial testing, and performing physical testing of textile substrates.

English language requirements

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study in the School of Design is an IELTS of 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid.

Other Conditions:

Applicants must not have already been awarded or be currently studying for a doctoral degree.

Applicants must live within a reasonable distance of the University of Leeds whilst in receipt of this scholarship.

How to apply

Stage 1

First, apply for a research place of study, through the online application form. Please state clearly that the funding you wish to be considered for is “LITAC - Developing Antimicrobial Textiles Through Photodynamic Inactivation” with Dr Rigout, Dr Broadbent and Prof O’Neill as your proposed supervisors. You will be expected to meet our eligibility criteria for PHD candidates.

Once you have received your student ID number (a 9-digit number) move onto stage 2.

Stage 2

Apply for the LITAC Project - ‘Developing Antimicrobial Textiles Through Photodynamic Inactivation’ by completing the Scholarship Application Form. You must submit your scholarship application by 17.00 p.m. on Friday the 6th of January 2023.

Contact details

For further information related to the application process please email the Faculty PGR Admissions Team at [Email Address Removed]

For further information related to the project please contact [Email Address Removed]