PhD Biomedical Engineering: Devices for Diagnostics and Therapeutics using killer proteins

In May 2016, bacterial resistance to colistin - the antibiotic of last resort – was found in humans, making the discovery of new antimicrobials increasingly urgent. Bacteriocins are natural antimicrobials produced by bacteria to kill their competitors. In the era where resistance has been observed to all the existing antibiotics, these natural resources provide important alternatives to develop new antibiotics. Many bacteriocins recognise and have high potency against their targets. We predict that this species-specificity provides an effective means for not only treatment, but also offers the potential for early diagnosis of bacterial infection. Inaccurate diagnosis of pathogen types often leads to treatment failures.

In this project, we aim to develop bacteriocin based sensors for rapid diagnosis of pathogens and effective bacteriocins as potential therapeutics. To achieve this, we will exploit advances in protein engineering and microfluidics to screen a library of purposely-designed bacteriocins, develop prototype bacteriocins sensors, and evaluate them with clinic samples.

Project Team - The student will be jointly supervised by Dr Huabing Yin (1st Supervisor) from the Division of Biomedical Engineering, Dr Daniel walker from the Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, and Professor Tom Evans from the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing at the University of Glasgow. Although the student will be based in the division of Biomedical Engineering, he/she will benefit from the three supervisors, all with expertise in their areas. Dr Huabing Yin specialises in the integration of microfluidic platforms with advanced imaging and spectroscopic technologies for single cell analysis. Dr Daniel Walker has a well-established reputation for his work in developing highly selective and potent protein antibiotics for the treatment of chronic bacterial infections. Professor Tom Evans will provide clinical insights to the project. This project will allow the student to gain a diverse range of desirable skills involving state-of-the-art micro- and nano-fabrication skills, image analysis, instrumentation, microbiology, protein engineering and clinical testing. All of these skills are highly sought after in both the academic and industrial sectors.

Person Specification - This studentship is open to candidates of any nationality – UK, EU or International. Applicants should demonstrate the following:

Applicants should have obtained, or expect to obtain, an upper second (2.1) or 1st Class Honours degree in a relevant Engineering or Science discipline. Some relevant laboratory experience would be desirable.