Hybrid Foldamer-Polymer Scaffolds as Novel Biomaterials for Wound Healing Applications

Hybrid Foldamer-Polymer Scaffolds as Novel Biomaterials for Wound Healing Applications 

A fully funded PhD studentship is available in the groups of Dr. Pike and Dr. Arno (https://arnolab.com) at the University of Birmingham in areas of synthetic organic chemistry, chemical biology and materials chemistry focused on the development of a new range of hybrid foldamer-polymer scaffolds for wound healing applications. 

Foldamers are synthetic helical oligomers that adopt stable secondary structures1 and some classes of foldamers are known to possess potent antimicrobial properties. However, the potential application of foldamers as wound healing biomaterials is yet to be explored. Polymers have recently emerged as a promising class of materials for biomedical applications, due to their ease of synthesis and tuneable mechanical properties.2 However, the effective use of polymeric materials for wound healing applications is limited by their inefficacy to induce a biological response, which in turn leads to a failure in promoting in situ tissue healing and growth. 

In this project, we will address the current limitations associated with the use of individual foldamers and polymer scaffolds as topical wound healing treatments by creating a new class of biomimetic hybrid foldamer-polymer materials which combine and optimize the desirable features of both individual scaffolds. These novel hybrid foldamer-polymer scaffolds will have tuneable mechanical and biocompatibility properties for improved performance as wound healing agents and possess long-term implications for increased patient recovery. 

For further details about the project please see: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/cross_fac/mibtp/pgstudy/phd_opportunities/regenerative_biology/biomaterials

Training:

The PhD student will work in the vibrant and welcoming groups of Dr Pike and Dr Arno. This interdisciplinary project offers the opportunity to receive training in a variety of techniques, spanning the fields of organic chemistry, polymer synthesis, and biology. The student will receive in-depth training in a wide range of standard and advanced synthetic organic chemistry techniques and polymerisation techniques. The student will also receive training in a diverse array of analytical techniques including NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, IR spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, UV/Vis spectroscopy, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. 

The student will also be trained in a wide range of material characterisation techniques in order to determine the mechanical properties of the new hybrid scaffolds including rheology, mechanical analysis (e.g. compression tests), and adhesive property assays. Finally, in order to determine the wound healing properties of the new scaffolds, the student will gain training in range of biological techniques including executing 2D and 3D cell cultures, live/dead assays to determine cytocompatibility, and cell proliferation assays.

Candidate Selection Process:

• You should hold or expect to receive a good (1st or 2.1 UK or equivalent) degree in chemistry or a chemical sciences related subject. Please see https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/cross_fac/mibtp/pgstudy/phd_opportunities/application/ for full eligibility criteria

• Candidates should have an interest in or experience in synthetic organic or polymer chemistry

• Applicants should submit a PhD application by 9th January 2022

Interested candidates should contact Dr. Sarah Pike ([Email Address Removed]) or Dr. Maria Chiara Arno ([Email Address Removed]) in the first instance by email, attaching an up-to-date CV.