University of Sheffield

Magnetite-silk Core-shell Nanoparticles for Targeted Drug Delivery

Deadline: Open all year round
Funded

Project Description

Silk is a protein fibre produced by silkworm. It has been used for centuries because of its unique properties. Extensive research has been carried out to explore the regenerated silk fibroin (RSF) as biomaterials such as tissue culture scaffolds, wound covering materials, soft contact lens, and cosmetic components for their impressive biocompatibility and biodegradability.
This PhD project is to engineer RSF nanocarriers with magnetic nanoparticles inside for drug and gene delivery. The student will be lab based and will be trained to use modern techniques such as AFM, SEM, TEM, FTIR, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Circular Dichroism Spectroscopy (CD), Flow Cytometry, Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM) etc. to fabricate the nanoparticles and characterize their properties. Antibody will be conjugated onto the nanoparticles for cell targeting. A combination of relevant cell assays will also be carried out to evaluate the biocompatibility, degradability and biological functions of the fabricated nanoparticles.

Funding Information

Enquiries are welcomed from self-funded students (fees: View Website). Candidates should have a 1st class or 2.1 degree or MSc (merit or distinction) in physics, chemistry, materials, pharmacy, chemical engineering, or a related discipline.

For scholarship competition, candidates need a good 1st class to be competitive (or a GPA > 3.7/4.0 from a good international university). Applications should be submitted online before the end of each year.

Eligibility Requirements

If English is not your first language, you must have an IELTS certificate with an average of 6.5 or above and at least 6.0 in each component.

Application Process

All applications should be made online:
View Website

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