Bioactive glass encapsulation for the localised delivery of chemotherapeutic agents for treatment of osteosarcoma

Summary

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone cancer in children and young adults, often requiring aggressive chemotherapy coupled with surgical intervention. Osteosarcoma presents significant treatment challenges, as conventional chemotherapy can lead to severe side effects and does not always effectively target tumour cells.

Current treatments for osteosarcoma often include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and in some cases, targeted therapies. However, systemic chemotherapy can lead to significant adverse effects and limited tumour targeting. Bioactive glasses are clinically used for repairing small bone defects however these materials have no innate chemotherapeutic properties. Furthermore, due to the high temperatures used during the manufacturing process it is not possible to incorporate organic antimicrobial agents during the preparation of the glasses.

Here we propose, to develop novel chemical linkers that can attach chemotherapeutic drugs to the inorganic glasses. The coatings will be bio-degradable to provide a controlled release of the chemotherapeutic agent. The plan is to coat the bioactive glasses with a thin layer of bio-degradable carbohydrate (a small polymer) and then attach the antimicrobial agents to this carbohydrate coating.

The project proposes to develop novel, site specific, preventative chemotherapeutic coatings to address these issues specifically in relation to osteosarcoma. This research could significantly enhance the therapeutic landscape for osteosarcoma, leading to more effective treatments with fewer side effects, while also contributing to advancements in biomaterials and cancer therapy.

Important Information: Applications for more than one PhD studentship are welcome, however if you apply for more than one PhD project within Biomedical Sciences, your first application on the system will be deemed your first-choice preference and further applications will be ordered based on the sequential time of submission. If you are successfully shortlisted, you will be interviewed only on your first-choice application and ranked accordingly. Those ranked highest will be offered a PhD studentship. In the situation where you are ranked highly and your first-choice project is already allocated to someone who was ranked higher than you, you may be offered your 2nd or 3rd choice project depending on the availability of this project.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Completion of Masters at a level equivalent to commendation or distinction at Ulster
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications record appropriate to career stage
• Experience of presentation of research findings

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years* (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period (individual project advertisements will note where part time options apply).

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.