Folded protein-based hydrogels are a novel class of biomaterials which combine the useful viscoelastic and functional properties of proteins together with the prospect of rational design principles. At Leeds, our tools allow for the measurement of the mechanics, structure and function, from single proteins up to full biomaterials. We have shown the translation of mechanical properties from nanoscale to macroscale, developed equipment to control the hydrogel network formation and developed a modelling platform, BioNet, to identify the design principles of hydrogels.
However, missing from our tools is insight into the formation mechanisms of these biomaterials. To date, we have used small angle scattering to measure the final network structure however it tells us nothing of how the networks are formed. Such insight would deliver the bespoke hydrogels for specified applications, a major advancement in the field.
The project will involve the development of a suite of new experimental tools for measuring the structure of hydrogels during network formation. The project will be in 3 parts (i) Using our in-house SAXS instrument at Leeds we will investigate the biomaterials structural design space. We will measure the structure of samples pre-gelation (proteins in solution) and post-gelation (cross-linked protein network). (ii) Using our state of the art off-line SAXS/WAXS Diamond/Leeds instrument we will measure the dynamic structural transformation of the protein solution into a cross-linked protein network. A novel aspect of the project is the development of an in situ illumination rig to gel the sample in the beam at Diamond. (iii) To explore the potential of the protein hydrogels for targeted drug delivery we will measure the structure of hydrogels containing microbubbles and determine the impact of their bursting due to ultrasound.
The project is interdisciplinary in nature and the student would join a vibrant, friendly and supportive research environment at Leeds.
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