Translation of novel polymer anti-bacterial coating to invasive medical devices used in the neonatal intensive care for high risk preterm infants

Infections in premature babies are a leading cause of death, severe illness and are associated with poor long-term outcomes for survivors. Premature babies on intensive care units acquire these infections whilst in hospital, often from their life-supporting medical devices. This studentship will develop new coatings for these devices that resist bacterial colonisation and so reduce the risk of infection in these vulnerable babies. Based in the world-leading School of Pharmacy at the University of Nottingham, in partnership with academic neonatologists in the School of Medicine, the student will develop the new coatings, test them in vitro and in vivo, working closely with our industrial collaborator. There will be opportunities to train at the Harwell Research Complex learning cutting edge skills and spend time in the hospital environment, in a large research-active neonatal intensive care unit, to better understand the clinical need. This PhD will suit a highly ambitious science graduate, in the field of biology or chemistry, who wishes to undertake a truly translational clinical project with industry collaboration and training. It is expected that at the end of the project, the student will be well placed to secure follow-on funding for clinical trials and on-going development or commercialisation.