Novel Nanoparticle-Enhanced Therapy for Chronic Bacterial Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance
This interdisciplinary project will develop dual-action nanoparticles that both deliver antimicrobial agents and disrupt biofilms to target chronic bacterial infections. Using microbiological and immunological approaches and advanced human cell models, we will assess how these nanoparticles can disrupt bacterial defences, combat biofilms, and enhance the immune response.
Research Opportunities
Summary
Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, present a critical challenge in treating chronic infections. These pathogens cause over 700,000 deaths globally each year. If no effective treatments are developed soon, this number could rise to 10 million by 2050. MDR bacteria not only evade antibiotics but also form biofilms, structured bacterial communities that are about 1,000 times more resistant to antibiotics. This complicates patient treatment, contributes to persistent infections and poses a substantial healthcare burden to NHS.
To address these critical challenges, this project aims to develop a novel nanomedicine-based approach, utilising nanoparticles that simultaneously deliver antimicrobial agents and biofilm-disrupting compounds. Nanoparticles offer a unique advantage in drug delivery by allowing precise targeting and controlled release, which reduces toxicity and improves therapeutic outcomes. Our dual-action nanoparticles will be engineered to (i) penetrate biofilms and (ii) inhibit bacterial virulence factors that bacteria use to establish infection and evade our immune system. By tackling both bacterial biofilms and virulence simultaneously, this approach offers a more effective treatment strategy for chronic infections caused by MDR pathogens.
This interdisciplinary approach combines microbiology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, pharmaceutical chemistry, and immunology to create an innovative solution to tackle bacterial infections. The project will involve careful engineering of nanoparticles optimised for size, stability, and drug release properties using advanced chemical formulation techniques. The nanoparticles engineered in this project will be designed to carry novel antimicrobials alongside compounds that disrupt quorum sensing, a key bacterial communication system responsible for biofilm formation and virulence.
The PhD researcher will evaluate the cytotoxicity of these nanoparticle formulations on mammalian cells to ensure their safety. The antimicrobial efficacy of the nanoparticles will be tested against MDR bacteria, S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. The effectiveness of the nanoparticles in inhibiting biofilm formation and their ability to interfere with quorum sensing will be evaluated to understand how the nanoparticles disrupt bacterial survival mechanisms. Further testing will involve inducing chronic infections in advanced human cell models to simulate a realistic infection environment. This approach provides a robust platform to assess the therapeutic potential of nanoparticle-based treatment in human-like systems and their clinical applicability.
This project offers an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic student to gain hands-on experience in microbiology, nanotechnology, and immunology. With full training provided, you will contribute to innovative therapies that could shape the future of healthcare.
Supervisors
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Research Theme
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About our Research Degrees
We welcome specific ideas from applicants for a potential research degree topic. The University offers a number of potential self-funded topics in each School which you could consider developing your research project around.
It is not unusual for a proposed research degree topic to evolve as you progress through the application stage and even your future studies. This ensures the best match of your academic/professional experience with that of your supervisory team.
Occasionally, the University will also advertise available funded studentships, for very specific topics or subjects:
If you need any further support prior to applying, please email researchdegrees@rgu.ac.uk
Entry requirements
Entry Requirements for Research Degrees
Normal entry requirements are a first or upper second class honours degree from a University of the United Kingdom, or from an overseas University, or degree equivalent qualification, subject to the approval of Robert Gordon University.
Applicants holding other qualifications shall be considered on their merits and in relation to the nature and scope of the proposed research programme.
Applicants will normally register for an MSc/PhD or MRes/PhD with transfer to PhD dependent on satisfactory progress. However, applicants who already possess a Master’s degree which includes a significant research component could be registered directly for a PhD, subject to a satisfactory research proposal, and clear evidence of research expertise.
Some Research Degree Topics require employment experience, research experience and/or transcripts for international qualifications.
Contact researchdegrees@rgu.ac.uk to see if you are eligible.
English Language
Any applicant whose first language or language of previous University-level instruction is not English must normally demonstrate competence in English. This should be a score of IELTS 6.5 with 6.5 in all elements, or an approved equivalent.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact researchdegrees@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
Fees & Costs
For Academic Year 2024/2025
UK/EU Students
- Full time - £4,786 per academic year
- Part time MPhil/PhD - £2,870 per academic year
- Part time MRes/MSc by research - £2,390 per academic year
International Students
- Full time - £19,450 per academic year
- Part-time MPhil/PhD - £11,670 per academic year
- Part-time MRes/MSc by research - £9,720 per academic year
For Academic Year 2023/2024
UK/EU Students
- Full time - £4,712 per academic year
- Part time MPhil/PhD - £2,830 per academic year
- Part time MRes/MSc by research - £2,356 per academic year
International Students
- Full time - £18,700 per academic year
- Part-time MPhil/PhD - £11,220 per academic year
- Part-time MRes/MSc by research - £9,350 per academic year
Additional Costs
The following course-related costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase
- Accommodation and living costs
- Printing
Alumni Discount
Robert Gordon University is delighted to offer a 20% discount on course fees for all alumni who have graduated from RGU.
Scholarships and Financial Awards
Postgraduate research students will normally make their own arrangements for payment of fees. However you may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
Funded Studentships
Occasionally, the University will also advertise available funded studentships, for very specific topics or subjects:
Disclaimer
For new intakes course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information see:
How to Apply
Applications
All applications should be made via the University's online application for research students.
Before you apply, find out more about the application process, research proposal writing guides, routes and durations:
Our Research degrees usually start in February and October each year. There are no formal deadlines for you to submit your application, though we recommend you submit it as early as possible in order to ensure we can help you join us at your preferred time.
Completed application forms should be accompanied by:
- Degree certificate
- Statement of purpose, detailing why you would like to study this degree in the UK, and why you have chosen RGU.
- A short research proposal, in the range of 1,500 - 3,000 words, containing a rationale and background, study aims and objectives, a literature review, proposed research methods and a full reference list.
Further guidance on the application process:
English Language Requirements
All applicants whose first language is not from a recognised English speaking country will be asked to provide evidence of their English language skills as part of their offer to study at RGU.
Find out more about the English language qualification we accept:
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