Exploiting peptide design in linking hydrogel and spread film properties in the development of novel antibacterial films

About the Project

This project combines expertise in pharmacy and biotechnology to tune polypeptide/surfactant film properties through the design of novel peptides characterised using advanced physical characterisation techniques and relate the film properties to those of hydrogels.

Mixtures of polymers and surfactants are used in everyday life products from foods to cosmetics. Polypeptides are a class of polymer that are generally biocompatible and so are suited to use in biomedical applications. A new methodology developed in our groups enables the creation of polypeptide/surfactant (PP/S) films at the air/water interface using biocompatible materials. By dispensing aggregates formed in aqueous solution onto a pure water surface, without the use of organic solvents, we achieve films with impressive surface density. This approach boasts potential economic and environmental benefits for biomedical film applications and also a platform for innovation in advanced coatings.

Recently, we achieved a major breakthrough to control 3D structures in PP/S films, shown through the application of cutting-edge optical laser and neutron reflectometry techniques to image the surface structure on the nanoscale (Chem. Commun. 2022, 58, 10687). Structures from monolayers to multilayers can be tuned through compressing the films using barriers of a Langmuir trough. This work demonstrates how specific conformations of the solution components, like self-assembled alpha-helices or beta-sheets, impact on distinct film properties (Nanoscale 2023, 15, 11141).

Examples of novel peptides we have synthesised in our groups include E(FKFE)2 and K(FEFK)2, which form transparent hydrogels themselves at pH 7 (Biomacromolecules, 2024, 25, 3628). The scientific hypotheses to be researched in this project are the extent of the relationship between bulk hydrogel properties formed by these novel peptides and the structural and mechanical properties of the films spread at fluid interfaces through exploiting surfactant interactions, and the nature of interactions of the peptides and peptide fibres with model bacterial membranes.

This aim of this PhD studentship is to relate PP/S film properties prepared using novel peptide design those of bulk hydrogels and examine their model bacterial membrane interactions. The first objective is to link the fibre and network formation of hydrogels in the bulk to multilayer formation in the fluid films through the application of advanced bulk and interfacial characterisation techniques. The second objective is to examine interactions of the peptides and peptide fibres with model cell membranes using lipid compositions that mimic different bacterial cell types. Such applications of the novel films include wound dressings and tissue engineering through exploitation of their antibacterial nature.

Eligibility

Applicants are expected to hold (or about to obtain) a minimum upper second-class undergraduate honours degree (or equivalent) in chemistry, physics, materials science or pharmacy. Experience in materials science is desirable.

Before you Apply

Applicants must make direct contact with preferred supervisors before applying. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to meet with potential supervisors, prior to submitting a formal online application.

How to Apply

To be considered for this project you MUST submit a formal online application form – on the application form select PhD Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Programme. Full details on how to apply can be found on the Website: How to apply for postgraduate research at The University of Manchester

If you have any queries regarding making an application please contact our admissions team FBMH.doctoralacademy.admissions@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: Equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI | Postgraduate Research | Biology, Medicine and Health | University of Manchester)

Funding Notes

Applications are invited from self-funded students. This project has a Band 3 (high) fee. Details of our different fee bands can be found on our website View Website