Probiotics for prevention of skin infection

The University of Bath is inviting applications for the following PhD project commencing in October 2023.

Supervisory Team:

Professor Toby Jenkins, Department of Chemistry, University of Bath

Dr Genevieve Harris, Convatec, Advanced Wound Care (subject to contract)

Overview of the Research:

This project is concerned with using probiotics as a method of preventing skin infection / inflammation by incorporating probiotics into a gel or dressing, in which they retain their viability when applied to skin. The gel/dressing will be applied to various models of early or late-stage bacterial infection with efficacy of the probiotics in both controlling infection and reduction in inflammation. Probiotics are ’good’ bacteria which help control the growth of pathogenic bacteria and are currently used in foods, including drinks and baby formula.

Project outline is:

1. To study the utility of using food grade probiotics such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus (used in infant formula) either as mono or mixed species to slow / prevent early-stage colonisation, skin inflammation and breakdown on both in-vitro, ex-vivo porcine and in-vivo human models.
2. Use impedance spectroscopy to study skin breakdown (and prevention thereof). Skin impedance is easy to measure and gives a very sensitive measure of breakdown of the stratum corneum / epidermis generally before clinical evidence of such damage can be observed.
3. To develop prototype wound dressings containing probiotics which allow such bacteria to be attached and stabilised with good shelf life and retained efficacy months after manufacture. We will investigate simple hydrogels; plasma treated non-woven fabrics and composite hydrogels (polystyrene beads dispersed in a gel matrix) to create an environment in which probiotic bacteria retain their viability and function. Effect of probiotic lyophilisation vs stability in a hydrogel will be studied in terms of shelf-life over weeks and months.
4. To carry out a healthy human, non-clinical study on healthy human volunteers potentially subjected to microbial, enzymatic or chemical challenge. This part of the project could be conducted on students at University of Bath who consent to inoculation with Proteus mirablis. P. mirablis is a common skin commensal in incontinent people and babies / young children, it expresses urease, which converts urea to ammonia, but is harmless on healthy adults.

Project keywords: skin microbiology, probiotics, infection and inflammation.

Candidate Requirements:

Applicants should hold, or expect to receive, a First Class or good Upper Second Class UK Honours degree (or the equivalent). A master’s level qualification would also be advantageous.

Students with a background in, Biological Science (with microbiology), Chemistry and Bioengineering are all encouraged to apply.

A genuine enthusiasm for working at the microbiology – materials interface is essential.

Non-UK applicants must meet our English language entry requirement.

Enquiries and Applications:

Informal enquiries are encouraged and should be directed to Professor Toby Jenkins on email address [Email Address Removed].

Formal applications should be submitted via the University of Bath’s online application form for a PhD in Chemistry prior to the application deadline.

More information about applying for a PhD at Bath may be found on our website.

Note: Applications may close earlier than the advertised deadline if a suitable candidate is found; therefore, we recommend that candidates contact the lead supervisor in advance of preparing their application and then submit their formal application as early possible.

Funding Eligibility:

To be eligible for funding, you must qualify as a Home student. The eligibility criteria for Home fee status are detailed and too complex to be summarised here in full; however, as a general guide, the following applicants will normally qualify subject to meeting residency requirements: UK and Irish nationals (living in the UK or EEA/Switzerland), those with Indefinite Leave to Remain and EU nationals with pre-settled or settled status in the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list. Additional information may be found on our fee status guidance webpage, on the GOV.UK website and on the UKCISA website.

Exceptional Overseas students (e.g. with a UK Master’s Distinction or international equivalent and relevant research experience), who are interested in this project, should contact the lead supervisor in the first instance to discuss the possibility of applying for supplementary funding.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:

We value a diverse research environment and aim to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated and respected. We welcome and encourage applications from under-represented groups.

If you have circumstances that you feel we should be aware of that have affected your educational attainment, then please feel free to tell us about it in your application form. The best way to do this is a short paragraph at the end of your personal statement.