Chronic wounds, such as diabetic ulcers, pressure sores, and venous leg ulcers, pose significant challenges to healthcare due to their slow healing processes and susceptibility to infection. Hydrogels, with their unique ability to maintain moisture and support cell growth, have emerged as promising materials for advanced wound healing therapies. This PhD project aims to design and develop novel hydrogel formulations to accelerate chronic wound healing, enhance tissue regeneration, and improve patient outcomes.
The main objectives of this research include:
- Designing Advanced Hydrogel Formulations: You will work on developing hydrogels with tailored properties, including optimized moisture retention, mechanical strength, and biocompatibility. The project will explore incorporating bioactive compounds such as growth factors, antimicrobial agents, or extracellular matrix components to enhance the wound healing process.
- Characterizing Hydrogel Properties: The project will focus on the in-depth characterization of hydrogel properties, including structure, degradation rates, swelling behavior, and rheological properties. Understanding these properties will be crucial for ensuring the hydrogels’ effectiveness in different wound environments.
- In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation: You will conduct preclinical studies to evaluate the performance of the hydrogels in both in vitro cell culture models and in vivo animal wound healing models. Key assessments will include the ability to promote cell migration, angiogenesis, collagen deposition, and tissue regeneration, as well as the hydrogels' antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Improving Patient Outcomes: The overarching aim is to develop hydrogel-based wound dressings that not only promote faster healing but also reduce infection rates and complications, improving the quality of life for patients with chronic wounds.
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate with a background in biomaterials, tissue engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related field. Experience in hydrogel formulations, wound healing research, or regenerative medicine is advantageous. The ideal candidate will have a passion for translational research and a desire to make a real-world impact in chronic wound care.
Join us in this exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in wound healing and develop innovative therapies that could transform the treatment of chronic wounds.
Further Information:
Chemical Engineering for Biology & Medicine website: https://xianfengchen.wixsite.com/biomaterials
The University of Edinburgh is committed to equality of opportunity for all its staff and students, and promotes a culture of inclusivity. Please see details here: https://www.ed.ac.uk/equality-diversity
Closing Date:
Principal Supervisor:
Assistant Supervisor:
TBC
Eligibility:
Minimum entry qualification – an Honours degree at 2:1 or above (or international equivalent) in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, biomedical engineering, or cell biology.
English language requirements need to be satisfied by EU/Overseas applicants. Further information on English language requirements for EU/Overseas applicants.
Funding:
Applications are welcomed from self-funded students, or students who are applying for scholarships from the University of Edinburgh or elsewhere.
Informal Enquiries:
Dr Michael Chen (Michael.Chen@ed.ac.uk)
