The coming generation of implantable bioelectronic devices will demand the use of soft materials that are conformable (and thus directly interface) with the contours of tissues. Ideally, the candidate materials should be viscoelastic (i.e. stretchable), non-toxic, resistant to biofouling, chemically and thermally resistant, as well as be easy to handle and sterilise. 1 Relatively few materials meet these stringent requirements, but amongst these are the silicone-based elastomers,1 and intrinsically conducting polymers 2 (ICPs; e.g. polyanilines, polythiophenes, polypyrroles, etc.). However, a critical consideration in the translation of these materials into clinical use is their long-term toxicity, which has so far been largely understudied. This aspect is true even for the silicones, despite having been in clinical use for many years. 3 Indeed such concerns remain in the public consciousness even for conventional silicone implants, as witnessed by the recent BBC Newsbeat documentary. 4 Adverse effects of these materials are not limited to the tissues directly in contact with the implant, but also to systemic toxicity which may arise through the leaching of smaller oligomers and small molecules into circulation resulting in undesirable effects on tissues distant from the site of implantation.3 As such, there is thus an urgent need to further study the molecular mechanisms by which toxicology of these materials may arise in order to exploit them safely in bioelectronic medicine. In particular, the project aims to address the following:
1) How can we develop new in vitro testing methods to assess the toxicology of bioelectronic materials and devices?
2) What is toxicological potency of agents potentially leached from the devices (acute and chronic, if any)?
Entry Requirements
Applicants must have obtained or be about to obtain a First or Upper Second class UK honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of science, engineering or technology.
How to Apply
For information on how to apply for this project, please visit the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Doctoral Academy website (https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/). Informal enquiries may be made directly to the primary supervisor. On the online application form select PhD Epidemiology.
For international students, we also offer a unique 4 year PhD programme that gives you the opportunity to undertake an accredited Teaching Certificate whilst carrying out an independent research project across a range of biological, medical and health sciences. For more information please visit www.internationalphd.manchester.ac.uk
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. The full Equality, diversity and inclusion statement can be found on the website https://www.bmh.manchester.ac.uk/study/research/apply/equality-diversity-inclusion/