Project Details
Are you a motivated student with a strong interest in biomaterials and tissue engineering and applying this to treat a specific eye disease? Then look no further! This PhD project focuses on developing a new conjunctival substitute based on artificial materials that mimic tissue structures on which we can grow conjunctival surface epithelium.
This artificial conjunctiva has the potential to overcome the limitations of current reconstructive techniques and will have impact in preventing patient suffering including blindness, pain and double vision.
The conjunctiva is a thin mucous tissue lining the front of the eye and inside the eyelids. It is essential for maintaining a healthy eye surface and protects from dust and infection. Its surface is susceptible to disease or trauma causing damage that results in loss of vision or double vision.
A damaged conjunctiva also compromises the success of corneal transplants. Current treatments involving grafting tissue to replace lost or scarred conjunctiva are limited in their ability to support the required cells, present a risk of infection, are fragile or not readily available in sufficient quantity.
Project objectives will include:
1. Fabricating electrospun fibre/hydrogel composites
2. Characterising the material properties of fibre/gel composites relative to conjunctiva
3. Evaluating in vitro cell response of human conjunctiva cells on fibre/gel composites
4. Determining biocompatibility and cytotoxicity of fibre/gel composites
5. Assessing surgical potential in terms of handling and ability to suture
Funding
Funded studentship
Application Deadline
21 March 2024
