1 PhD Studentship in Dental Engineering in UK | Cardiff University

This PhD project is one that is equally shared between the School of Dentistry and the School of Engineering at Cardiff University. The School of Dentistry and School of Engineering invites applications for a PhD Student to join a multi-disciplinary translational research team. The added value of such investigations to the successful student is exposure to cross-disciplinary working (microbiology/immunology/engineering), interactions at the clinical interface and training in translation of research for tangible impact.

Previous research involving mechanically ventilated (MV) patients has established links between oral microbiology and respiratory pathogen colonisation of lower airways and endotracheal tubes (ETTs). Salivary protein composition and cytokines have also been found to change with respiratory pathogen colonisation of plaque (potentially a risk for ventilator-associated pneumonia; VAP). VAP is the most prevalent hospital-acquired infection in critical care and with a mortality rate exceeding 50%, rapid diagnosis and treatment is paramount. Unfortunately, diagnosis is inconsistent, based on numerous parameters often involving invasive procedures. Treatment is also problematic, particularly as antibiotic resistance frequently occurs with causative agents. Away from critical care, pneumonia in elderly patients has also been linked to accumulation of respiratory pathogens in oral biofilms, especially those on dentures.

This PhD has two fundamental aims. The first is to determine whether oral signs and symptoms can serve as predictive markers of pneumonia. Secondly, using ETTs and denture acrylic biofilms, in vitro strategies to combat biofilms associated with VAP and community associated pneumonia will be undertaken. Oral hygiene will be recorded for MV patients at regular intervals and clinical specimens (dental plaque, non-directed bronchoalveolar lavage, saliva and ETTs) collected. Infection status and associated treatments will then be related to measured indices, plaque bioload and microbial composition, salivary flow and cytokines. The potential of these oral markers in VAP diagnosis will then be assessed. Using in vitro models, and biofilms recovered from ETTs, novel anti-biofilm coatings on silicone tube surfaces will be evaluated for biofilm inhibitory properties. We have previously developed antimicrobial coatings for inhibiting urinary catheter biofilms and similar strategies will be utilised in this project. Research in the School of Engineering, will investigate the physical properties of the biomaterials.

This studentship consists of full UK/EU tuition fees, as well as a Doctoral Stipend matching UK Research Council National Minimum (£14,057 p.a. for 2015/16, updated each year).

Students will be supported to present their data at UK and International conferences as is appropriate. As part of a proposed research programme between the UK and EU partners, it is envisaged that the successful candidate will have the opportunity to spend some time at the laboratories of collaborators as part of their studies.