Exfoliation, or removal of the skin’s surface cells, is a consequence of many beauty and grooming regimes. Shaving is well-known to have a detrimental impact on skin health, e.g., skin irritation and barrier damage. This project will model and understand skin exfoliation and mimic shaving in vitro utilising well-characterised bioengineered skin technology.
The project will build on existing Durham and P&G collaborative research using a validated in vitro bioengineered skin equivalent. Pilot work has demonstrated the use of tape strip technology to remove layers of the stratum corneum. We propose to further optimise the technology to study the molecular and cellular mechanisms that are stimulated by exfoliation in vitro.
This project will address the following objectives:
- Optimisation and Characterisation of Tape Stripping: The student will optimise the use of tape strip technology to mimic skin barrier damage in vitro. The cellular impact of this will be measured through a range of analytical techniques. We hypothesise that tape stripping will invoke a mild wound healing response
- Mechanical Insult: The student will investigate the specific cellular effects that ensue following a physical insult to the skin. Mechanical damage can be achieved through a number of methods including: razor-damage, wounding, excoriation or scratching. This will provide valuable insight into the cellular and molecular effects of wound healing in skin.
- Application of Skincare Products: Preliminary data suggest that inflammatory responses induced by exfoliation may be attenuated by post-insult moisturisation. The student will investigate formulations that are able to reduce some of the cellular changes that arise post-insult.
- Application of a Neurosensory Skin Equivalent: Post-shave irritation is often perceived as a sensation induced by the exposure of neuronal cells within the skin tissue. The student will investigate the activation of nerve fibres following insult to the skin surface using our neuro-sensory skin model. This will provide valuable insight into the unwanted sensations that arise post-shave.
- Application of an Immunocompetent Skin Equivalent: We hypothesise that many of the cellular changes that occur following exfoliation are the consequence of an inflammatory response. The student will utilize our immunocompetent skin technology to better elucidate the cytokine cascade and cellular consequences of this inflammatory response that ensue following skin insult.
This project will combine investigations into fundamental biological principles with industrial partnership. Through better understanding of the cellular and molecular events that arise post-skin insult, this research will provide insight into the process of wound healing and allow for identification of points where interventions may alleviate adverse reactions.
The student will have access to comprehensive training in a wide range of cellular and molecular techniques, an opportunity to work within an experienced team of skin tissue engineers, and support to become an independent scientist conducting high-quality research. Candidates will also have the opportunity to disseminate the research findings at national and international conferences and publish high-quality research in reputable dermatology journals. The student will benefit from translational research within the collaborative academic and commercial environment within our laboratory.
How to apply:
- Candidates wishing to apply for a studentship must apply directly to this E-mail address [Email Address Removed] by 31st January 2022 by sending 4 documents:
- Current CV: [maximum 2 pages] – this needs to include qualifications & two references.
- A personal statement (maximum 500 words).
- A completed BISCOP CTP Equal Opportunities Monitoring form
- A cover note indicating which project within the CTP you are applying for as their first choice and whether interested in any of the other projects.
- Name all the documents with your ‘Name and Type of Form’ e.g., Joe Bloggs CV, Joe Bloggs Personal Statement.
- For more information, please see the Policies & Procedures for applicants.
- In the meantime, if you have any issues or questions please contact [Email Address Removed]
More information about the BiSCop CTP
This studentship is part of the first cohort of the BiSCoP CTP (Bioscience for Sustainable Consumer Products Collaborative Training Partnership), a BBSRC-funded inclusive, collaborative environment for high quality doctoral training that will prepare over 30 students with the knowledge and skills needed for successful careers at the forefront of global bioscience. This will help ensure the UK maintains a leadership position in bioscience with improved translation of frontier research into economic and societal impact.
The BiSCoP CTP will be an outstanding environment for PhD research between Durham, Northumbria, Newcastle and other UK universities, biotech company Prozomix and consumer products company Procter & Gamble. The first cohort of 12 PhD students starting in October 2022 will embark upon a 4-year research training programme with modules in hands-on lean innovation, an Accredited Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice (a Durham University mini-MBA), Intellectual Property, at least a 3-month placement (P&G UK or USA innovation centre or Prozomix UK) and other events.