Ultrasonic microbubbles as a therapy for biofilm targeting in bone repair

In this PhD studentship, we wish to determine whether ultrasound-responsive microbubbles stimulate biofilm dispersal in bone infections. Infections are one of the primary reasons why bone implants fail, and is a major source of morbidity in acute traumatic bone fracture. Microbubbles, which can be injected into the circulation and which can be stimulated remotely using ultrasound energy, offer an opportunity for targeting infected bone noninvasively. The project will help us understand and determine the ultrasound parameters necessary for biofilm dispersal and antibiotic delivery. In parallel we wish to determine the parameters that stimulation tissue penetration of candidate antibiotics. in organotypic models of bone tissue. The project will lead to the training of a PhD student in a vibrant, competitive group in an interdisciplinary area of emerging engineering research with a direct clinical translation focus. It will enable to us to determine the design parameters for a novel device/technology for deployment in the military. It will also integrate closely with our clinically-focussed aims and will cement a partnership for future studies.